Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food. Juicy pieces of seasoned chicken are cooked in garlic butter until golden, then served over tender penne coated in a rich homemade cheddar Parmesan sauce.

The combination of garlic, butter, creamy milk, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. Add the Cajun-seasoned chicken on top, and you have a hearty family dinner that feels indulgent without requiring complicated techniques.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love It

This creamy chicken pasta is easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve when you want something special.

The chicken gets plenty of flavor from Cajun seasoning, paprika, olive oil, and garlic butter. Meanwhile, the creamy penne sauce starts with a simple butter-and-flour roux, which gives the sauce enough body to hold the cheddar and Parmesan without becoming watery.

You also only need one skillet for the chicken and sauce, making cleanup easier. The result is a comforting plate of creamy, cheesy pasta topped with golden garlic butter chicken.

Choose Your Ingredients

Good ingredients make a noticeable difference in a creamy pasta recipe.

For the chicken, use large boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook at the same rate while staying juicy.

Penne is especially useful here because its ridges and hollow centers hold onto the creamy cheese sauce. Cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after being tossed with the hot sauce.

For the cheese sauce, freshly shredded cheddar melts especially well. Sharp cheddar gives the pasta a stronger cheese flavor, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.

Whole milk creates a creamy sauce while keeping the recipe lighter than one made entirely with heavy cream. Fresh garlic and butter complete the flavor.

What You Need

Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Creamy Penne

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.

Drizzle with the olive oil, then add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

Try not to leave large pieces of seasoning sitting at the bottom of the bowl. The spices should be distributed across the chicken so every bite has flavor.

2. Heat the Garlic Butter

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of the garlic butter and allow it to melt completely. Once the butter is hot and fragrant, you’re ready to cook the chicken.

The skillet should be hot enough to create a golden exterior without immediately burning the butter.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a relatively even layer.

Cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should develop a golden-brown exterior and be fully cooked in the center.

Avoid constantly stirring the chicken. Giving the pieces a little time against the hot skillet helps them develop better color.

4. Set the Chicken Aside

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Set it aside while you prepare the pasta and creamy cheese sauce.

Keeping the chicken separate prevents it from overcooking while you finish the sauce.

5. Cook the Penne

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until tender but still firm to the bite.

Al dente pasta is ideal because it will continue absorbing some of the sauce after being drained.

Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

6. Start the Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Because you’re using the same skillet, there will be flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. These add extra depth to the finished sauce.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

Stir continuously and watch the garlic carefully. It should become fragrant but should not turn dark brown.

7. Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic.

Whisk or stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes.

This creates the roux that will thicken the milk and transform it into a creamy sauce.

Cooking the flour briefly also removes its raw taste.

8. Add the Milk

Slowly pour the whole milk into the skillet while whisking continuously.

Adding the milk gradually is important because it helps prevent lumps from forming.

Continue whisking until the flour and butter mixture is fully incorporated into the milk.

9. Thicken the Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer gently over medium heat.

Stir frequently as it heats. After several minutes, the sauce should begin to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.

Don’t rush this stage by using extremely high heat. A gentle simmer helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

10. Add the Cheddar

Reduce the heat before adding the shredded cheddar cheese.

Add it gradually, stirring after each addition until melted.

The lower heat helps the cheese melt smoothly instead of becoming grainy.

11. Add the Parmesan

Add the grated Parmesan and continue stirring.

The Parmesan brings a deeper savory flavor and helps make the sauce taste richer.

Keep stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

12. Season the Sauce

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir well and taste the sauce.

Remember that cheddar and Parmesan already contain salt, so it’s better to add seasoning gradually and adjust at the end.

13. Add the Penne

Add the cooked penne directly into the creamy cheese sauce.

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the pasta until every piece is coated.

The ridges in the penne will capture the cheddar Parmesan sauce, giving you plenty of creamy flavor in every bite.

14. Add More Garlic Butter

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of garlic butter.

This final addition gives the pasta an extra buttery garlic flavor and makes the sauce feel especially rich and silky.

Mix gently so the pasta remains intact.

15. Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked garlic butter chicken to the skillet or keep it separate for serving.

If returning it to the skillet, gently fold some of the chicken through the pasta.

Alternatively, keep the chicken on top so its golden exterior stays visible.

16. Serve Immediately

Spoon the creamy penne onto serving plates.

Top generously with the garlic butter chicken and serve while everything is hot.

For an extra finishing touch, add a little freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Penne

Cook the pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become soft and absorb too much sauce.

Shred the Cheese Yourself

Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

For the best texture, grate the Parmesan finely before adding it to the sauce.

Keep the Heat Moderate

Once the cheese is added, avoid boiling the sauce. Excessive heat can cause the cheese to separate or create a less smooth texture.

Season Gradually

Cajun seasoning, cheddar, and Parmesan all contribute salt and flavor. Taste the sauce before adding additional salt.

Give the Chicken Space

If your skillet is crowded, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown.

Make It Even Better

A few small adjustments can make this comforting pasta even more enjoyable.

For a little freshness, add chopped parsley immediately before serving. A small squeeze of lemon over the chicken can also balance the richness of the cheese sauce.

If you enjoy extra garlic flavor, add another small clove of freshly minced garlic to the chicken seasoning or finish the pasta with a little roasted garlic.

For a lighter approach, use a smaller amount of cheese and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also increase the amount of chicken and add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini.

If you’re cooking several components for a family meal, an air fryer can be useful for preparing vegetables or a crispy side dish while the pasta cooks on the stovetop.

A good set of essential kitchen utensils also makes recipes like this easier, especially a sturdy whisk for the cheese sauce and a large skillet for combining everything.

Easy Variations

Spicy Cajun Chicken

Increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.

Chicken and Broccoli

Add steamed or roasted broccoli to the finished pasta. The fresh vegetable cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Sauté sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken, then continue with the sauce. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.

Spinach Penne

Stir a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the hot sauce just before adding the pasta. The spinach will wilt quickly.

Extra Cheesy

For an even cheesier version, add a little mozzarella along with the cheddar and Parmesan. Mozzarella creates a stretchy finish while cheddar and Parmesan provide stronger flavor.

Different Pasta

Although penne works particularly well, you can substitute rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken and creamy pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools.

When reheating, add a small splash of milk before warming the pasta. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Avoid overheating because prolonged high heat can cause the cheese sauce to separate.

If you are preparing this recipe ahead of time, it is best to keep the pasta and chicken separate and combine them shortly before serving.

What to Serve With It

This dish is rich and filling, so simple sides work beautifully.

Try serving it with:

• Garlic bread
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Sautéed spinach
• Roasted vegetables
• Light tomato salad

For a cozy dinner, serve the pasta with warm garlic bread so you can enjoy every bit of the creamy cheddar Parmesan sauce.

After dinner, a fresh coffee prepared with your favorite coffee machine can be a simple way to finish the meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to remain especially juicy. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until fully done.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mild white cheddar can be combined with Parmesan. Keep at least some Parmesan for its distinctive savory flavor.

Why is my cheese sauce too thick?

The sauce can thicken considerably as it sits. Stir in a small amount of warm milk or reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use moderate heat when melting the cheese and add it gradually. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheddar and Parmesan.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but the pasta is best combined with the sauce shortly before serving. If reheating leftovers, add a little milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta brings together everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner: juicy seasoned chicken, buttery garlic, tender pasta, and a rich cheese sauce.

The recipe is straightforward enough for a busy evening, yet the combination of Cajun-seasoned chicken and creamy cheddar Parmesan penne makes it feel much more special than an ordinary pasta dinner.

Serve it hot, finish it with a little Parmesan and fresh parsley, and enjoy a hearty meal that is guaranteed to satisfy anyone craving something creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor.