Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Gouda Parmesan Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is the perfect comfort food—a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken bites, smoky Gouda, and Parmesan in a luscious cream sauce. The blend of Cajun spice and Italian herbs creates an irresistible balance of savory, cheesy, and buttery goodness that will make it your new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavors.
Perfectly seasoned chicken paired with smoky Gouda and Parmesan creates an unforgettable sauce.
Quick and easy to make—ready in under an hour.
A great dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or fresh salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces penne pasta
1 ½ pounds chicken bites (boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken bites and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese, whisking gently until smooth.
Add shredded Gouda, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and velvety.
Mix in Italian seasoning and half of the chopped parsley.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add cooked penne and stir until the pasta is evenly covered in the creamy Gouda Parmesan sauce.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra Cajun spice, salt, or pepper as desired.
Garnish with remaining parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Cheese options: Substitute Gouda with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy depth.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Seafood alternative: Swap chicken for shrimp for a creamy seafood pasta variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over medium-low heat on the stove until creamy again. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until heated through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini—any pasta that holds creamy sauce well.

2. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add cooked chicken towards the end to warm it through in the sauce.

4. What can I substitute for Gouda cheese?

Smoked provolone or mozzarella are good substitutes if Gouda isn’t available.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or add a little more Parmesan or cream cheese.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

7. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Add a bit of cream cheese to help thicken it.

8. What side dishes go well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad pair wonderfully.

9. Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added cream.

10. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Avoid high heat when melting cheese—stir continuously over medium-low heat for a smooth sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Gouda Parmesan Cream is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting treat for yourself, this dish will leave everyone craving seconds. Its creamy texture, cheesy depth, and tender chicken make it a timeless favorite you’ll want to cook again and again.