🧄 Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta

Golden, cheesy, and silky smooth — the ultimate comfort-food pasta with juicy garlic-butter chicken and a rich, creamy sauce!

This dish delivers everything you crave: tender chicken, garlicky butter, sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, and perfectly coated penne pasta. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality yet simple enough for anyone to master.

🍽 Recipe Card

Servings: 4–5
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein | Family-Friendly | Comfort Food

✅ Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔢 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In a large skillet, heat butter + olive oil over medium heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165 °F / 74 °C). Remove and let rest, then slice.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 1 minute. Slowly add broth and cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

4️⃣ Add the Cheese & Seasonings
Lower heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Combine & Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Top with sliced chicken. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes for flavors to meld.

6️⃣ Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.

💡 Recipe Notes

• Sub half the cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier sauce.

• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

• For a spicier kick, stir in ½ tsp Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

🌟 Introduction

This recipe is the definition of creamy comfort. The combination of garlic butter chicken and two cheeses makes the sauce luxuriously rich, while the penne soaks up every drop of flavor. It’s elegant enough for date night yet quick enough for a Wednesday dinner.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Use a mix of butter and oil — the butter adds flavor, the oil prevents burning. Aim for a golden crust before removing from the pan.

2. The Roux Matters

When you add flour to the garlic butter, cook it until slightly tan to avoid a raw flour taste — this step gives the sauce its silky body.

3. Smooth Cheese Sauce

Always lower the heat before adding cheese. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents separation.

🧀 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless breasts work best, but thighs stay juicy too.

• Cream: Swap for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

• Cheddar & Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

• Pasta: Fettuccine or rigatoni can sub for penne if you prefer.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad.

• Top with a drizzle of garlic butter and extra Parmesan before serving.

• Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: For best texture, freeze only the sauce and chicken (up to 2 months).

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

🧮 Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 610 | Protein: 41 g | Carbs: 37 g | Fat: 34 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sodium: 740 mg

Allergens: Dairy (Milk, Cheese), Gluten (Pasta).

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the sauce and chicken ahead, store separately, and combine with fresh pasta before serving.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely — just toss it into the sauce at the end to warm through.

Q: Is there a low-fat version?
A: Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk and use light cheese to cut calories without losing flavor.

❤️ Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a craving for creamy Alfredo pasta and a love for cheddar’s sharp bite. The result? A fusion of Southern cheese comfort and Italian pasta luxury in one dish. It’s the kind of meal you make once and instantly add to your weekly rotation.

💬 Join the Conversation

Tried this Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta?
Tag your creation with #CheesyComfortKitchen and tell us — team extra cheddar or team extra Parmesan? 🧀💛