Description
If you’re craving a comforting yet bold dinner idea, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Spicy Cheddar Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s rich, flavorful, and packs just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting. With tender bites of garlic-browned chicken tossed in a luscious spicy cheddar sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a quick dinner, easy recipe, and ultimate comfort food all rolled into one. Ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining friends, or those days when only a cheesy, creamy dish will do — this pasta will satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in grated cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes