Description

A rich, creamy pasta dish featuring garlic butter-seared chicken tossed with penne in a luxurious Gouda and Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1.25 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter (for chicken)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

12 oz penne pasta

3 tbsp butter (for sauce)

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 (optional)

Extra Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Cracked black pepper, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Pat chicken strips dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in Gouda and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free version.

Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time.

Adjust spice level with more red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.

Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 635 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg