Cooking chicken pasta with white sauce is a classic and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made in a variety of ways, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken pasta with white sauce, including the ingredients you’ll need, the cooking techniques you’ll use, and some tips and variations to make the dish your own.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll require:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
In terms of equipment, you’ll need:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Cutting board for chopping onion and garlic
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Grater for grating Parmesan cheese
Choosing the Right Pasta
When it comes to choosing the right pasta for your chicken pasta with white sauce, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few popular types of pasta that work well with this recipe:
- Fettuccine: This is a long, flat noodle made from egg and flour. It’s a classic choice for chicken pasta with white sauce, and it’s easy to find in most supermarkets.
- Spaghetti: This is a long, thin noodle made from wheat flour and water. It’s another popular choice for chicken pasta with white sauce, and it’s easy to cook.
- Penne: This is a tube-shaped noodle made from wheat flour and water. It’s a great choice if you want a heartier, more filling pasta dish.
Cooking the Pasta
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to cooking the pasta. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Bring a Large Pot of Water to a Boil
Fill a large pot with cold water and place it on the stovetop over high heat. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.
Step 2: Add Salt and Pasta to the Pot
Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the pot, then add the pasta. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente
Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta you’re using, but here are some general guidelines:
- Fettuccine: 8-10 minutes
- Spaghetti: 8-10 minutes
- Penne: 10-12 minutes
Step 4: Drain the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Cooking the Chicken and Sauce
Now that the pasta is cooked, let’s move on to cooking the chicken and sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Melt Butter in a Large Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook for 1 Minute
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Chicken to the Skillet
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
Step 4: Add Flour to the Skillet
Add the flour to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 5: Gradually Add Milk to the Skillet
Gradually add the milk to the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring constantly.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese and Seasonings
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings (basil, salt, and pepper) to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining the Pasta and Sauce
Now that the pasta and sauce are cooked, it’s time to combine them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Add Pasta to the Skillet
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
Step 2: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken pasta with white sauce hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your chicken pasta with white sauce even better:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your dish. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the sauce.
- Use different types of cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice for chicken pasta with white sauce, you can also use other types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
- Add some vegetables: You can add some steamed or sautéed vegetables to the dish to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken pasta with white sauce:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, but not overcooked. Overcooked pasta can be mushy and unappetizing.
- Not whisking the sauce enough: Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly as you add the milk to prevent lumps.
- Not seasoning the dish enough: Make sure to season the dish with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to bring out the flavors.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken pasta with white sauce is a simple and delicious way to make a meal that’s sure to please. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, add some spice if you like, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables. With a little practice, you’ll be making chicken pasta with white sauce like a pro!
What is the best type of pasta to use for chicken pasta with white sauce?
The best type of pasta to use for chicken pasta with white sauce is a personal preference, but some popular options include fettuccine, spaghetti, and penne. Fettuccine is a classic choice for white sauce, as its flat noodles allow the sauce to cling to them well. Spaghetti is another popular option, as its long, thin noodles are easy to coat with the sauce. Penne is also a good choice, as its tube-shaped noodles hold onto the sauce nicely.
Regardless of the type of pasta you choose, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. This will help the pasta hold onto the sauce better and prevent it from becoming mushy. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta while it’s still warm, which will help the sauce cling to it even better.
How do I prevent the white sauce from becoming too thick?
To prevent the white sauce from becoming too thick, make sure to stir it constantly while it’s cooking. This will help prevent the sauce from forming lumps and will ensure that it cooks evenly. You can also add a bit more milk or cream to the sauce if it becomes too thick, which will help thin it out.
Another way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick is to use a roux-based sauce. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked together until it forms a smooth, creamy paste. This paste is then mixed with milk or cream to create the white sauce. Using a roux-based sauce will help the sauce to be smooth and creamy, and will prevent it from becoming too thick.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. In fact, using pre-cooked chicken can be a great way to save time and make the recipe even easier. Simply shred or chop the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the pasta and white sauce. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
Just keep in mind that using pre-cooked chicken may affect the flavor of the dish slightly. Pre-cooked chicken can be drier than freshly cooked chicken, which may affect the overall texture of the dish. However, this can be easily remedied by adding a bit more sauce or cream to the dish.
How do I add flavor to the white sauce?
There are several ways to add flavor to the white sauce. One way is to add some grated nutmeg or black pepper to the sauce, which will give it a warm, aromatic flavor. You can also add some chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sauce for added freshness.
Another way to add flavor to the sauce is to use different types of cheese. For example, you can use grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to give the sauce a rich, tangy flavor. You can also add some diced ham or bacon to the sauce for a smoky, savory flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, making the recipe ahead of time can be a great way to save time and make the dish even easier. Simply cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them together with the white sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.
When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the dish in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also add some grated cheese to the top of the dish before baking, which will give it a golden, crispy crust.
How do I store leftover chicken pasta with white sauce?
To store leftover chicken pasta with white sauce, simply transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The dish will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it’s hot and bubbly.
When reheating the dish, make sure to stir it constantly to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also add a bit more milk or cream to the sauce if it becomes too thick. This will help the sauce to be smooth and creamy again.
Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?
Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. In fact, one of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can add your favorite herbs or spices to the sauce, or use different types of cheese or pasta. You can also add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Another way to customize the recipe is to use different types of protein. For example, you can use shrimp or bacon instead of chicken, or add some diced ham or prosciutto to the dish for added flavor. You can also use different types of milk or cream, such as almond milk or coconut cream, to make the sauce dairy-free.