Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne Gouda Recipe for Family Dinner

When I first made this dish for my family, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, reminiscent of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. The aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in the pan is enough to tempt anyone into the kitchen. Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Smoked Gouda Parmesan Cream has become one of my go-to recipes when I’m looking to impress or simply satisfy cravings for something comforting and rich. This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken bites, penne pasta, and a luscious sauce that comes together effortlessly. It’s a meal I turned to recently when I had just returned from a busy week, ready to create something that would give my family that true “home-cooked” feeling. You may also find Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Penne useful.

Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a few kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essentials you should have on hand: You may also find Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken With Creamy Shells And Parmesan useful.

• Large pot: For boiling the penne pasta, choose a pot that allows ample space for water to circulate.
• Large skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet helps evenly cook the chicken and develop flavor as you sauté.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pans.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like cream and seasonings.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop garlic and other ingredients, a sharp knife makes the task quick and safe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Smoked Gouda Parmesan Cream is a winner for several reasons.

• Rich Flavor: The combination of smoked Gouda and Parmesan creates a deep, savory taste that elevates the dish.
• Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and can be on the table in under 40 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
• Comforting: On a chilly evening, the warm, creamy pasta becomes a bowl of cozy comfort.

For additional delightful chicken recipes, you might enjoy creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy penne.

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Smoked Gouda Parmesan Cream Ingredients

This recipe requires a few key ingredients that not only come together beautifully but also pack tons of flavor:

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

The quality of your chicken bites is crucial; using fresh and tender boneless skinless breasts enhances the dish’s overall appeal. The smoked Gouda is particularly special, as it adds a unique flavor that complements the rich cream base of the sauce, making any pasta dish memorable.

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ALT: Cooked penne pasta with creamy garlic butter chicken and cheeses in a skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this dish is easier than you might think! Here’s how you can make it in about 35 minutes.

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just tender, which should take around 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, and season them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Next, add the heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.
6. Gradually stir in the smoked Gouda, Parmesan, and mozzarella, mixing until the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with half of the chopped parsley.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it thoroughly in the sauce.
9. Finally, add the cooked penne and gently toss everything to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit over low heat for a couple of minutes.
10. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining parsley.

Fun Variations You Can Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to your tastes. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delightful vegetarian alternative.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or fontina for varied flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add extra Cajun seasoning or include diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Milk Alternatives: If you want to lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half and half or use a non-dairy milk substitute.

For a similar comfort food alternative, try making cheddar Parmesan garlic butter chicken with creamy shells.

How I Love to Serve It

I like to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. It’s also delightful alongside a simple Caesar salad, with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing.

Here are a few side dishes that pair beautifully with this meal:

• Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli complements the rich flavors.
• Garlic Bread: Always a favorite, it adds a satisfying crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables introduce color and nutrition to your plate.

Consider serving with cheesy garlic butter chicken penne with Alfredo cream for another twist on exquisite flavors.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

Here are some helpful insights I’ve learned that can enhance your cooking experience while making this dish:

• Chicken Handling: For even cooking, ensure all chicken pieces are similar in size. I learned this after having a few pieces overcooked while waiting for others to finish cooking through.
• Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems too thin after adding the cheeses, let it simmer a little longer; the heat will help thicken it up.
• Prepping Ahead: You can prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic and measure the spices to streamline the cooking process.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent sticking, stir the pasta during the first couple of minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well in the microwave or on the stove with a little added broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Important Cooking Reminders

Remember these helpful cooking reminders for best results:

• Chicken Temperature: The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F. Always double-check with a meat thermometer.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for 2-3 months, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, add a bit of broth to maintain creaminess.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the chicken; it can become dry. I learned this the hard way after trying to rush the cooking time.

For safe cooking temperatures, you can reference this helpful resource, USDA safe minimum cooking temperatures.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

This dish provides a satisfying meal, estimated at approximately 650 calories per serving. It’s a creamy indulgence that combines proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

• Calories: 650
• Carbs: 49g
• Fat: 35g
• Protein: 46g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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ALT: A bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with smoked Gouda and chicken, garnished with parsley.

Common Questions You Might Have

This recipe is straightforward, but here are some common questions to help you along:

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Can I make this recipe in advance or freeze it?

Yes, you can prep ingredients the day before and store them in the fridge. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months if you freeze the sauce and pasta separately.

What’s a good substitution for penne?

If you don’t have penne pasta on hand, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta as well.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Smoked Gouda Parmesan Cream is not just a dish; it’s a dish filled with warmth and flavor that brings families together. The combination of creamy cheeses and tender chicken creates an enticing allure that I can never resist. I remember making this dish for my family’s movie night, and it has quickly become a cherished tradition. Every bite offers comfort and satisfaction, making it a trusted recipe in my collection. I hope you take the time to make this dish and enjoy its wonderful flavors with your loved ones.

If you’re looking for a quick meal, consider trying this 30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta, which can also impress guests and satisfy cravings. For more dinner ideas, the dinner menu from Amerigo Italian Restaurant offers a variety of delicious options for those special nights. Another fantastic choice is Easy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta, which brings together hearty flavors in no time.

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Smoked Gouda Parmesan Cream

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: N/A

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Description

A comforting and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken bites and rich smoked Gouda Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just tender, which should take around 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, and season them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Next, add the heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.
6. Gradually stir in the smoked Gouda, Parmesan, and mozzarella, mixing until the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with half of the chopped parsley.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it thoroughly in the sauce.
9. Finally, add the cooked penne and gently toss everything to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit over low heat for a couple of minutes.
10. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining parsley.

Notes

Pair with crusty bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 46g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, garlic butter, family dinner, comfort food