Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream is a decadent, one-skillet pasta that sears spiced chicken strips in garlic butter, then coats al dente penne in a velvety Alfredo sauce enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella—ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or family meals with bold flavors and quick stovetop ease. This 30-minute recipe serves 4 at a satisfying ~500 calories per serving, blending Italian herbs with creamy indulgence. Skip the heavy cream overload; this version uses broth for lightness while keeping the garlic punch. For more garlicky pasta ideas, explore our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which amps up sauces like this one.
What is the Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe?
The Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe is a stovetop dish where chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, seared in butter-garlic, and tossed with cooked penne in an Alfredo sauce from cream, broth, cream cheese, Parmesan, and optional mozzarella for glossy cheesiness—perfect for mains. This creamy essential suits busy cooks with one-pan flow from sear to sauce. If you’re craving garlicky comfort, follow the Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused bakes like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where garlic enhances cheese.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe
This recipe’s charm is its seamless blend of spice, garlic, and cheese, making it a reliable weeknight hero.
Quick One-Pan Flow
Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 20—sear chicken, build sauce, toss. Ideal for busy nights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Garlicky Creamy Balance
Butter-seared chicken with herbed Alfredo and melty cheeses creates rich, aromatic bites—customize heat with flakes, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
All in one skillet, using staples like cream cheese for melt—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Comfort Dish
Serves 4; add broccoli for veggies. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-carb mix at ~500 calories/serving; cozy yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Glossy sauce over golden chicken—garnish parsley for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free penne, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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Chicken
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra gooeyness)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (for thinning, if needed)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to deglaze. Add 2 oz cream cheese; stir until smooth. Whisk in ¾ cup Parmesan (and ½ cup mozzarella if using) until silky. Season with ½ tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce; toss to coat. Return chicken to skillet and mix. If thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~500 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.25 lbs): Lean, quick-cooking protein; cut strips/cubes for even sear.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) & Butter (1 tbsp): For golden crust; butter adds flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp), Paprika (½ tsp), Salt & Pepper: Essential herbs and smoke for Italian-Cajun vibe.
Sauce & Pasta Ingredients
- Penne Pasta (12 oz): Ridged for sauce cling; GF penne for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Roux base for richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Aromatic heart; fresh for punch.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) & Chicken Broth (½ cup): Creamy body with savory lift.
- Cream Cheese (2 oz): Smooths melt; full-fat for silkiness.
- Parmesan (¾ cup grated) & Mozzarella (½ cup shredded, optional): Umami and gooeyness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adjustable heat.
- Reserved Pasta Water (½ cup): Thins without diluting.
Garnish Ingredients
- Chopped Parsley & Extra Parmesan: Fresh finish and crunch.
These create a cohesive, garlicky Alfredo with cheesy depth.
How to Make Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream Recipe
Focus on searing and whisking for essential creaminess.
Step 1: Pasta Prep
Boil salted water; cook penne al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve water—essential for sauce adjustment.
Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken dry; season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper. Heat oil and butter; sear 6–8 minutes until golden (165°F). This builds flavor, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Build Garlic Butter Base
Melt butter; sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add broth and cream; deglaze pan. Stir in cream cheese until smooth—essential for no lumps.
Step 4: Make Cheesy Alfredo
Whisk in Parmesan (and mozzarella); cook until glossy (2–3 minutes). Add flakes; taste. Sauce should coat spoon.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add pasta and chicken; toss with reserved water if needed. Garnish parsley/Parmesan. Serve hot.
Inspired by creamy pastas? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers sauce tips. For a classic external take, try this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe from Allrecipes, which layers cheeses similarly.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat stovetop with milk. Freeze portions 2 months (sauce separate); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, separated sauce, mold—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, portion for al dente.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh garlic for aroma; don’t overcook chicken to avoid dryness. Variations: Add spinach or mushrooms; lighten with half-and-half. For vegan, use plant-based alternatives. Essential: Whisk constantly for smooth sauce. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust seasonings.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Alfredo Cream is a garlicky, creamy essential for Italian comfort—juicy, saucy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to pasta. From picks to storage, success every twirl. Cook ahead, toss and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.