There’s something deeply comforting about a pasta dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce and layers of melted cheese. Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is the perfect balance between richness and flavor — a weeknight meal that feels indulgent enough for a restaurant but easy enough to make at home.
This dish is built on the foundation of savory garlic butter chicken that’s seared to golden perfection, tossed with al dente penne pasta, and blanketed in a velvety sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and cream. It’s cheesy, buttery, and full of texture, with every bite tasting like comfort in a bowl.
Let’s dive into the full, detailed recipe — including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, preparation time, nutrition details, and expert cooking tips to ensure your pasta turns out absolutely perfect every single time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 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, enhances flavor depth)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
A drizzle of olive oil or garlic butter before serving
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Drying them ensures you’ll get a beautiful, crisp sear later on. Slice each breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets — about 1-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a pinch of onion powder or cayenne if you like a little kick.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized cubes. This rest time helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente — usually about 10–11 minutes.
Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it — the browned bits add flavor!), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to create a smooth, golden roux. This step thickens the sauce and gives it body.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Then add the chicken broth and whisk until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Add Dijon mustard if using — it won’t make the dish taste like mustard, but it deepens the overall flavor profile.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more. Stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
Season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed — the goal is a balanced blend of savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to toss and coat every piece evenly.
Now, add the sliced chicken pieces back into the pan. Stir gently to combine, letting the sauce cling to both the pasta and chicken. Allow everything to simmer together for about 3–4 minutes over low heat so the flavors meld beautifully.
If the sauce thickens too much as it simmers, add another splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is perfectly coated and glossy, remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for color and extra flavor. You can also drizzle a little melted garlic butter or olive oil over the top for that restaurant-style finish.
Serve immediately while hot — each plate should have tender pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy, cheesy sauce in every bite.
Flavor Profile & Texture
This dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky. The sauce coats the pasta in a silky blanket of flavor — buttery with a hint of sharp cheddar tang and nutty Parmesan richness. The garlic butter base provides aromatic depth, while the chicken adds hearty protein to balance the richness.
The pasta remains perfectly tender without being mushy, and the combination of textures — from the seared chicken crust to the creamy sauce — keeps every forkful exciting.
Cooking Tips for Success
Use freshly grated cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating cheddar and Parmesan yourself ensures a velvety sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken.
Chicken breast can dry out quickly. Slice it thin, sear until golden, and remove once cooked through.
Balance the sauce.
Taste as you go — the combination of cheddar and Parmesan can be salty enough without adding too much extra salt.
Reserve pasta water.
It’s a simple trick but makes all the difference. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Use heavy cream for richness.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or luscious.
Make it a bake!
For a cheesy baked version, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheddar, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Variations
Add vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
Use different proteins: Try shrimp, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken if you want a faster option.
Try different cheeses: Gouda, mozzarella, or provolone can all add new flavor dimensions.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing (optional):
This dish can be frozen, though the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
And for dessert? Something simple like chocolate mousse or vanilla bean panna cotta complements the richness perfectly.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:
Calories: 720 kcal
Protein: 41 g
Fat: 44 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Sugar: 4 g
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is more than just another comfort food recipe — it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The way the cheddar and Parmesan melt into the buttery cream sauce creates a flavor that’s simultaneously rich and cozy, while the chicken adds that hearty, satisfying element every pasta lover craves.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or when you simply want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate creamy chicken pasta recipe — one that’s packed with flavor, texture, and homemade goodness — this is it. Every forkful delivers a perfect harmony of savory, cheesy, and garlicky perfection that will make it a repeat favorite at your table.