Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is the kind of comforting, indulgent dish that feels both familiar and special. It combines tender pan-seared chicken, a rich garlic butter base, and a velvety cheese-infused cream sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne. I tested this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something satisfying but not overly complicated, and it quickly earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation. The blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan creates depth without overpowering the dish, while garlic butter brings warmth and aroma to every bite. Best of all, this is a one-pan-style pasta meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with straightforward steps. Whether you are cooking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this pasta strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and bold flavor. It is hearty, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean protein and cooks quickly. When sliced evenly, it stays juicy and absorbs the garlic butter and cheese flavors exceptionally well.

Penne pasta
Penne is ideal for creamy sauces because its ridges and hollow center trap the cheesy garlic cream, ensuring flavor in every bite.

Butter
Butter forms the foundation of the sauce, adding richness and helping the garlic bloom gently without burning.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the dish its signature aroma and savory backbone. It infuses the butter and cream with deep flavor.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, smooth sauce that binds the cheese and coats the pasta evenly.

Cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds boldness and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream and butter.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan contributes nutty, savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally as it melts.

Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil prevents the butter from scorching while searing the chicken.

Salt
Salt enhances every component, from the chicken to the sauce, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.

Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and complexity without overpowering the cheese.

Italian seasoning
This blend introduces subtle herbal notes that complement the creamy, garlicky base.

Chicken broth
Chicken broth loosens the sauce slightly and reinforces the savory profile of the dish.

Fresh parsley
Parsley provides a fresh finish and a touch of color, balancing the richness of the pasta.

Directions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer briefly, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through, then gradually add the cheddar and Parmesan, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Return the chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filli

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture. Microwave reheating is possible, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.

Vegetable additions work beautifully here. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets can be added when combining the pasta and sauce. I have tried this with fresh spinach stirred in at the end, and it wilted perfectly into the creamy base.

For protein swaps, shrimp or turkey breast make excellent alternatives to chicken. Shrimp should be cooked quickly and removed before making the sauce, then returned at the end. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli, which hold the sauce just as well.

Cheese lovers may enjoy adding mozzarella for extra creaminess or using white cheddar for a milder flavor. This dish can also be finished with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	720
Protein	38 g
Carbs	56 g
Fat	38 g
Saturated Fat	20 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	820 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfectly seared chicken
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a golden crust without drying it out.

Smooth cheese sauce
Always lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky texture.

Balanced seasoning
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt gradually, as cheeses vary in saltiness.

Make-ahead convenience
Cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it to save time on busy evenings.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a better sauce texture.

What milk alternative works best?

Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less rich. Almond milk is not recommended for this recipe.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir continuously until fully melted.

Is this dish suitable for children?

Yes, it is mild and creamy, making it very family-friendly.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely. Crispy bacon bits add a smoky element and pair well with the cheese.

Conclusion

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is a satisfying, flavorful dish that delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and adaptable nature, it is a reliable choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, this recipe is likely to become a staple in your kitchen.

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