Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Gouda Parmesan Cream Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy, cheesy goodness and savory garlic-butter chicken. The combination of Gouda and Parmesan adds depth and richness to the sauce, while the perfectly cooked penne soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to prepare at home. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
chicken breast, sliced into strips
olive oil
butter
garlic powder
paprika
Italian seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
For the Gouda Parmesan Cream Sauce
penne pasta
butter
garlic, minced
chicken broth
heavy cream
cream cheese
shredded Gouda cheese
grated Parmesan
red pepper flakes (optional)
reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish (Optional)
fresh parsley
extra Parmesan
cracked black pepper
Directions
1. Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Garlic Butter Chicken
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Gouda Parmesan Cream 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 chicken broth and heavy cream.
Add the cream cheese and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Stir in shredded Gouda and grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with some reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne to the sauce and mix until well coated.
Fold in the garlic butter chicken and toss to combine.
5. Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Swap the Cheese: Try smoked Gouda or add a bit of mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish.
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Low-Carb Version: Serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
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Protein Twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp or grilled turkey for a different take.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to melt the cheeses slowly over medium heat and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if using pre-cooked chicken, simply warm it through in the sauce before combining with the pasta.
What’s the best type of Gouda to use?
Use young or semi-soft Gouda for better melting. Aged Gouda is flavorful but may not melt as smoothly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and chicken ahead. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not recommended, as creamy sauces often separate when frozen and reheated. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What can I use instead of penne?
Any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work well in this dish.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free penne and ensure all other ingredients (like broth and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default. Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or peas can be added for color and variety.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Gouda Parmesan Cream is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic-butter chicken, it’s a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Gouda Parmesan Cream
A rich and velvety pasta dish featuring garlic-butter seared chicken tossed with penne in a creamy Gouda and Parmesan sauce. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- Cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Season the sliced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in shredded Gouda and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes velvety. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the consistency of the sauce as needed.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce and fold in the garlic butter chicken. Toss everything until well coated.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water; it helps achieve the perfect sauce texture.
- For a smokier flavor, try using smoked Gouda instead of regular.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
