Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Penne Pasta

The afternoon sun filled my kitchen as I searched for a simple but satisfying dinner idea. Chicken breasts and a block of cheddar caught my eye, and I knew they could come together into a creamy, flavorful meal that my family would enjoy.

I seared the chicken in garlic butter, letting the aroma spread through the house. While the pasta cooked, a sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan slowly thickened into a silky, golden coating. The kitchen smelled inviting, and every stir brought the flavors closer together.

Once the pasta and chicken were combined with the sauce, the dish looked vibrant and comforting. Sharing it at the table brought smiles and lively conversation, turning an ordinary evening into a cozy, memorable dinner experience.

Short Description

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Penne Pasta is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring juicy garlic butter chicken, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan tossed with tender penne, pure comfort in every bite.

Key Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)

For the Garlic Butter Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan

• A drizzle of olive oil or garlic butter

Tools Needed

• Large skillet

• Medium saucepan

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Tongs or spatula

• Whisk

• Colander

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear. Slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets, about 1 inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Using the same skillet (do not clean it), melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until a smooth golden roux forms.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Add chicken broth and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Dijon mustard if using. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add cheddar and Parmesan, one handful at a time, stirring gently until melted and glossy.
Season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken back in and stir gently. Let it simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully. If the sauce tightens too much, add a splash of cream or pasta water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. A drizzle of garlic butter or olive oil gives it that restaurant-style finish. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta

Tender, juicy chicken seasoned perfectly

Simple ingredients that feel gourmet

Ready in about 30 minutes

Family-approved comfort meal

Easily adjustable for lighter or spicier versions

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken can ruin the texture.
Solution: Cook only until 165°F internal temperature and let it rest before slicing.

Burning the Garlic
Garlic browns quickly and turns bitter.
Solution: Sauté on medium heat for just 1 minute until fragrant.

Clumpy Sauce
Adding cheese too fast can cause curdling.
Solution: Lower the heat and add cheese gradually, whisking constantly.

Too Thick Sauce
The sauce may tighten as it sits.
Solution: Add reserved pasta water or a splash of cream to loosen it.

Undersalted Pasta
The dish can taste flat if the pasta isn’t seasoned.
Solution: Always salt pasta water generously — it’s your first layer of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Main course for family dinners or weekends

Serve with crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Garlic bread or warm baguette to soak up sauce

Pair with white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days

Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or cream

Stir frequently and avoid high microwave heat to keep sauce creamy

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully for holding onto the sauce.

2. Can I make this with leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip Step 1 and toss pre-cooked chicken in at the end to warm through.

3. Is there a lighter version?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter slightly. It’ll still be creamy and flavorful.

4. Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with extra cream to refresh the sauce.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne when seasoning the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Grate your own cheese — pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly.

Use room-temperature cream to prevent splitting.

Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth to lift flavorful browned bits.

Let the sauce simmer gently — patience gives it that velvety finish.

For an elegant touch, sprinkle truffle salt or lemon zest before serving.

Recipe Variations

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes during Step 5. It adds color and a tangy twist.

Bacon Lovers’ Twist: Fry 4 slices of bacon until crisp. Crumble and stir into the sauce for a smoky, savory boost.

Broccoli Alfredo Fusion: Steam 2 cups broccoli florets and fold them in during the final toss for extra nutrients and texture.

Cajun Style: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the paprika and swap half the cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This meal brings warmth and flavor to the table, turning a simple dinner into a little celebration. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan creates a rich, satisfying experience without needing complicated techniques.

Watching the sauce thicken and coat the pasta, while the garlic butter chicken glistens, adds an enjoyable rhythm to cooking. Serving it encourages conversation and shared enjoyment, creating a relaxed, inviting mealtime. Each preparation offers consistent, delicious results, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.