Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, adjust to taste; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup reserved pasta water, if needed to thin sauce; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Penne and Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken strips with rich, cheesy pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also features layers of flavor that will delight your taste buds. With creamy Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses enveloping al dente penne pasta, each bite promises indulgence and satisfaction. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning, adjust to taste
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup reserved pasta water, if needed to thin sauce
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken until golden-brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter and garlic until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and let warm before adding Velveeta; mix until melted.
Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; stir until creamy and thick.
Add cooked penne to the sauce; stir to coat thoroughly. Return chicken to the pan or serve beside pasta.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 145mg