Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce. This delightful meal features tender chicken strips bathed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and complemented by a medley of cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served alongside steamed broccoli or crispy Brussels sprouts, this dish promises to impress both kids and adults alike. Leftovers are just as delicious, ensuring you can savor this comforting meal again the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water, if needed
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, then add butter and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and add Velveeta; stir until melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; stir until thickened. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Mix cooked penne into the sauce until fully coated.
- Return chicken to the pan or serve alongside pasta. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg