This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and pasta with a rich, savory sauce. It’s a quick meal that your family will love. Everyone will appreciate the creamy texture and delicious flavors in this comforting recipe. If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, you might also like to try this creamy Parmesan basil chicken recipe.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The creamy sauce is a crowd-pleaser and offers a comforting flavor.
You can customize it with different cheeses or veggies for variety.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

This recipe involves cooking the penne pasta and sautéing chicken with flavorful seasonings. Then, you’ll create a creamy cheese sauce and mix everything together for a delightful dish. It’s simple and quick, yet packed with flavor. You may also find Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers 2 useful.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick-cut bite-size pieces
12 oz penne pasta
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1.5 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1.25 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3/4 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Boil salted water in a large pot; add penne and cook until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika; add to the skillet and sear until golden brown (3-4 minutes per side). Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Whisk in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses while stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy. Toss cooked penne into the sauce along with reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Fold in seared chicken pieces to combine. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

This dish can be served on its own or paired with a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes on top. You could also sprinkle additional cheese before serving for a cheesy touch.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

Make sure to reserve some pasta water; it helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
For extra flavor, let the garlic cook just until fragrant to avoid burning.
Feel free to mix in veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it more nutritious.

Variations

Swap out the chicken for shrimp or a meat alternative for a different protein.
Use different types of cheeses, like gouda or mozzarella, for varied flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Penne? It’s best eaten fresh, but it can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat it gently.
What sides pair well with this dish? Garlic bread or a side salad complements it nicely.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is a delicious choice for dinner. Its creamy sauce will comfort your taste buds. If you are looking for more pasta recipes, you might enjoy this creamy garlic chicken pasta or try this garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta recipe for a different twist!