Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the sun is setting early, and you’re in the mood for something that warms you from the inside out. Not just any dinner, but something creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor and comfort. This is where our Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta comes in—a dish that delivers a restaurant-quality experience from the comfort of your kitchen.
Inspired by classic Southern comfort food and Italian-American pasta favorites, this recipe combines juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, rich garlic butter, and a silky cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. It’s indulgent, yes, but also easy to prepare, family-friendly, and destined to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.
Whether it’s a special Friday night dinner, a dish to impress dinner guests, or just the comfort food you need to survive a long week—this pasta checks every box.
🍝 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This isn’t your average chicken pasta. Here’s why this dish is a total game-changer:
- ✅ Creamy & cheesy without being overly heavy
- ✅ Bold Cajun flavor on the chicken for a spicy kick
- ✅ Made in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- ✅ Comfort food perfection with crave-worthy textures and flavors
- ✅ Family-approved and easily customizable for picky eaters
It’s a one-bowl meal that satisfies your cravings and fills your home with the most irresistible aromas.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses easy-to-find pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The balance of flavors is what really makes it shine.
For the 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 and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 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
🧈 Tip: Garlic butter adds depth and richness—either make your own by mixing softened butter with garlic and parsley, or use store-bought for convenience.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to bring this comfort classic to life in your kitchen.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Chicken pieces
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Mix until all pieces are coated evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons garlic butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures the chicken browns instead of steams.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to remove lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in:
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Mix until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
🧀 Flavor Note: The combo of cheddar and Parmesan gives the sauce a deep, nutty flavor with a sharp cheesy edge that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of garlic butter for an extra boost of flavor and silkiness.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cheesy pasta into bowls or onto plates. Top with the Cajun chicken pieces and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and creamy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This pasta is filling and satisfying all on its own, but if you’re planning a full meal, here are some delicious side ideas:
Sides to Pair With:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A fresh Caesar or arugula salad
- Sautéed spinach with lemon
Drink Pairings:
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- A citrusy sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea or lemonade for a casual dinner
🔄 Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Looking to tweak the recipe or make it your own? Here are some ideas:
Make It Spicier
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce
- Use extra Cajun seasoning on the chicken
Lighten It Up
- Substitute whole milk with 2% or unsweetened almond milk
- Use reduced-fat cheese or skip the second addition of garlic butter
Add Veggies
- Toss in cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms
- Add roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli for color and nutrients
Make It Gluten-Free
- Use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
This dish stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers!
To Store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
To Freeze:
- Freeze the pasta and chicken separately for best results.
- Reheat gently after thawing overnight in the refrigerator.
❄️ Note: Cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after freezing, but a quick stir and a splash of milk will bring them back to life.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! This sauce works well with rotini, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even shells.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, make a quick blend using:
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne and oregano
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder spice blend to suit little taste buds.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything ahead and store separately. Assemble and reheat just before serving for the best texture.
📸 How to Make It Instagram-Worthy
Want to wow your followers with this cheesy masterpiece? Here’s how:
- Use a shallow pasta bowl for beautiful plating
- Top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of garlic butter, and fresh parsley
- Take the shot just as the cheese is stretching between the chicken and pasta
- Use natural lighting—no harsh flash!
Tag your creations with #CreamyGarlicChickenPasta and @YourBlogHandle to get featured.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for 1 of 6 servings:
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 68g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
🍽️ This dish is rich, so pairing it with lighter sides or splitting servings can help balance your meal.
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Recipe That’s Worth Every Bite
If comfort food had a royal family, this Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Penne Pasta would wear the crown. From the juicy Cajun-spiced chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every piece of penne—this dish is **bold, cozy