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Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce

Welcome to a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo cheese sauce. This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings happiness to every bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family dinner. It uses simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it great for cooks of all levels. The blend of garlic, butter, and creamy cheese creates a sauce that adds flavor to everything it touches. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — perfect for both kids and adults!

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1/2 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring as it begins to simmer.
Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta, stirring until everything melts into a thick, creamy sauce.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing until all the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy Alfredo sauce.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Let everything warm through for a minute or two.
Serve, making sure each plate gets plenty of chicken and that rich, garlicky cheese sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish is best served hot. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

You can store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Make sure not to overcook the penne. It should be al dente, as it will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce.
Taste as you go! Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to this dish for extra nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic to keep things vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work well in this recipe.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be a little lighter. You can also use a mixture of milk and butter for a creamy texture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and then combine everything just before serving to keep it fresh.

Enjoy making your Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce! It’s sure to become a family favorite.