Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Pasta Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of brightness, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, balancing the flavors and making the dish feel more vibrant. A small amount of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a nice, subtle heat that complements the garlic.

If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can slightly increase the amount of minced garlic or even add a pinch of garlic powder to the chicken as it sears. For an extra layer of texture, consider topping the final dish with a few toasted breadcrumbs or extra parmesan shavings just before bringing it to the table.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while sautéing. This introduces a subtle, warming heat that pairs perfectly with the rich cheddar and parmesan sauce, adding a bit of excitement to every bite.
• Spinach and Garlic Chicken: Fold in two cups of fresh baby spinach leaves just before adding the pasta to the skillet. The residual heat will wilt the spinach, adding a boost of color and a mild earthy flavor that complements the garlic and cream perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

For the best quality, consume the leftovers within three days, as the creamy sauce may thicken significantly when chilled and will need careful reheating.

You can prepare the chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, make the garlic butter sauce fresh in the skillet, then add the pre-cooked chicken and pasta to warm through.

This method ensures that the sauce stays smooth and creamy, avoiding the issues associated with reheating a pre-made cheese sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish immediately in warmed bowls to keep the sauce silky for as long as possible.

A simple side salad with a crisp vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment, as it provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, comforting nature of the cheesy pasta and chicken. The acidity of the salad dressing balances the meal perfectly.

Consider placing the serving platter in the center of the table to allow everyone to help themselves.

A garnish of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a welcome splash of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that rounds out the savory flavors of the garlic, butter, and cheese. Ensure a pepper mill is available for guests to add extra seasoning.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Pasta

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• fresh herbs, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for at least 3 minutes.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the pasta, and toss to coat everything thoroughly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

38 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.