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Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is a creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne.
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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

Instructions
 

  • Season and sear chicken until golden; rest and slice.
  • Cook pasta until al dente; reserve pasta water.
  • Sauté garlic in butter, then whisk in flour.
  • Add cream, broth, cheeses, and seasonings; adjust sauce consistency.
  • Toss pasta and chicken in sauce; simmer briefly.
  • Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and a drizzle of garlic butter or oil; serve hot.