Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal, combining juicy, seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy penne pasta. This dish is rich, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers bold garlic butter flavor with a creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s simple to make in one pan, family-friendly, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, slice into thin cutlets, and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until done. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Cook penne pasta until just under al dente, then drain (reserve pasta water).
- Add pasta to the sauce and toss, adding pasta water if needed.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Slice chicken and place over pasta.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon juice, then serve hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Swap penne with fusilli or rigatoni.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 32g
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce is best fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces may separate, but it can be frozen if needed.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Parmesan provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.
Is this spicy?
Only slightly if you add red pepper flakes.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (texture may change)
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with added broth or milk
Similar Recipes
Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Slice chicken into thin cutlets and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
- Add remaining butter and garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer briefly while scraping up flavor from the pan.
- Add heavy cream and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Cook penne pasta until slightly underdone, then drain.
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing well and adding pasta water if needed.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Slice chicken and place over the pasta.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon juice, then serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add grilled vegetables for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken is a comforting, creamy dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a family favorite.