Dinner

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Shells Recipe

Bylina Carter February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

This Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Shells is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with a rich, cheesy sauce and tossed with tender shell pasta for a creamy, satisfying meal.

A white plate holds two main layers of food, separated side by side. On the left, there is a heap of shell pasta covered in a creamy yellow cheese sauce sprinkled with green herbs, giving it a smooth and slightly shiny look. On the right side, thick, grilled chicken slices lay side by side, showing a golden-brown, slightly charred crust with dark grill marks and a tender white inside. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

12 oz shell pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of garlic butter over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces along with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining garlic butter and minced garlic to the other side and sauté until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until it becomes creamy and thickened.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water (as needed) to the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Step 7: Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap shell pasta with penne or rotini if preferred.

Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh twist.
Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchier cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate filled with two main sections: on the left, a pile of small shell pasta coated in a bright yellow creamy cheese sauce sprinkled with green herbs, giving it a glossy and rich texture; on the right, several slices of grilled chicken breast arranged in a row, each piece with a golden-brown crust and some darker char marks, revealing juicy, white meat inside. The background features a white marbled surface and a wooden element in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter as a lighter alternative, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

lina Carter