Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta
A Comforting Creamy Delight
Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta is a dish that promises both coziness and indulgence. It has become a favorite in my home for its exquisite balance of richness and ease. Picture tender strips of chicken, enveloped in a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends.
This dish isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a soul-soothing comfort food that can brighten up even the dreariest of days or impress guests without keeping you slaving in the kitchen for hours.
“This pasta dish is simply stunning! Rich, creamy, and unbelievably easy to make. My family devoured every bite!” – A delighted home cook
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to try this Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights. Secondly, it’s budget-friendly, utilizing ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
This recipe is kid-approved, too! The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness usually win over children and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or preparing a dish for casual gatherings, this meal strikes the right balance of flavor and heartiness.
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break down how this Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta comes together—it’s simpler than you think! You’ll start by cooking the penne pasta and seasoning the chicken breast strips. Next, you’ll whip up a luscious garlic butter Alfredo sauce and finally combine it all for an irresistible pasta dish. The entire cooking process involves three main steps, ensuring that you’ll enjoy a delicious meal with minimal fuss.
What You’ll Need
For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Feel free to swap out cheeses based on what you have on hand. For example, Monterey Jack can provide a creamy texture as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Penne
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Boil until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously. Graduate to whisking in the Parmesan and mozzarella until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Add the cooked chicken strips back into the mix, stir gently to make sure everything is beautifully coated in sauce.
5. Serve & Garnish
Finish by topping with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before diving in. Voilà! Dinner is served!
How to Plate and Pair
For an inviting presentation, serve the Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta in deep bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan on top. Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors. A slice of garlic bread would be heavenly too!
How to Store & Freeze
If you have leftovers (if you can believe it!), allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.
If you want to freeze it, portion out the pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers, where it will store well for about 2–3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove for best results.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional veggies and flavor.
- Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings to your preference, especially if you’re adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Creative Twists
Looking to switch things up? Consider these variations:
- Swap the penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta experience.
- Try using a combination of cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for a new flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or reduced-fat milk.
Common Questions
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of whole milk and Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, though the texture will be different.
How do I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk and opt for vegan cheese alternatives.
Can I pre-cook this dish?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently and serve.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a sumptuous, comforting meal that everyone will love. Get ready to savor every bite of your Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta!
Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Boil until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Add the cooked chicken strips back into the mix, stirring gently to ensure everything is beautifully coated in sauce.
- Finish by topping with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
