If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends rich, velvety textures with bold, savory flavors, then you have to try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting yet indulgent, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Tender, spiced chicken seared to golden perfection sits atop a luscious, gooey sauce packed with creamy cheeses and garlic goodness, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. This recipe brings together all the elements of a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely key to delivering all the flavor, creaminess, and texture that make this dish a winner. Each one plays a crucial role in building depth and ensuring your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe shines on the plate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender with the right sear and seasonings.
- Penne pasta: Its shape is perfect for carrying that cheesy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smooth body to the sauce, creating that luscious texture.
- Velveeta cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a creamy, dreamy base to the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretchiness and mild cheesiness to balance flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken perfectly and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Unsalted butter: Infuses the sauce and chicken with richness and that silky mouthfeel.
- Minced garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that’s fragrant and vital for the sauce’s character.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a flavorful spicy warmth that makes the chicken pop.
- Paprika: Enhances the color and adds a mild smoky depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, perfect for seasoning the pasta right in the cooking water. Boil the penne until it reaches al dente—tender but still holding its shape nicely. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that pasta water before draining; it will come in handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice your chicken breasts into strips and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend is simple yet super flavorful, lending warmth and a subtle smoky kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Set a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, place your seasoned chicken strips in the pan and cook until they develop a gorgeous golden crust, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This step seals in the juices and creates that irresistible texture. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, and as it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until the aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic just begins to turn golden—this step is critical to develop that deep garlicky foundation for the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Velvety Cream Base
Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then gradually add cubes of Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts completely into a smooth, creamy mixture that will coat every bite of penne later on.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Parmesan
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep the heat low and mix until the sauce thickens and becomes stringy and rich. If the sauce thickens too much, gently add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Combine Penne and Chicken
Add the cooked penne pasta to the luscious sauce, stirring well so every piece is beautifully coated. Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer together briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Dish out this creamy delight while it’s warm, ready for garnishes and a happy crowd at the table. You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some thinly sliced green onions on top brings a fresh pop of color and a slight herbaceous contrast to the rich and cheesy dish. You can also grate extra Parmesan over the top for that irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. These sides provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the creamy pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this recipe in individual rustic bowls for an intimate dinner, or in a large, shallow casserole dish when sharing with guests. A drizzle of chili oil or a few red pepper flakes on top can add a subtle heat that wakes up the palate beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to avoid sogginess. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within one month for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This will help revive the creamy texture and prevent the dish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully. Just cook your chosen pasta until al dente and proceed as usual.
Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you don’t have Velveeta, try using a processed cheese spread or a combination of cream cheese and cheddar for a similar creamy, melty effect in the sauce.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate level of heat and smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice preference or swap it for paprika and garlic powder if you prefer a milder taste.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, use plant-based creams and vegan cheese substitutes, then cook as instructed. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the original but can still be delicious.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Sear it over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, then let it rest briefly before adding it back to the sauce to finish. This keeps it juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe enough. It is the kind of comforting dish that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or want to impress friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and indulgent one-pan dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breast seared to golden perfection, tossed with al dente penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this recipe combines bold spices and creamy textures for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Velveeta cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta & Chicken: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and cheesy penne hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For milder flavor, reduce Cajun seasoning to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it.
- You can substitute Velveeta with another processed cheese or cream cheese for a different texture.
- Reserve pasta water is useful for thinning the sauce without diluting flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
