Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Meal

There’s something about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish an absolute favorite for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a special meal for family and friends, or just something deliciously indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. Best of all, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this rich, garlicky, and creamy pasta dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, garlicky, and creamy – A sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Restaurant-quality at home – Tastes like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to match your preferences.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a meal to impress guests.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you need to create this creamy, flavor-packed dish.

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 lb (450 g)	The protein base of the dish
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Helps cook the chicken evenly
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	Adds richness and flavor
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves	Infuses the dish with deep garlic flavor
Paprika	1 teaspoon	Enhances the color and taste of the chicken
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon	Boosts the garlicky taste
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Enhances overall seasoning

For the Pasta

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or choice)	300 g (10 oz)	A hearty base to soak up the creamy sauce
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	Adds richness to the sauce
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Brings out bold garlic flavor
Heavy cream	1 ½ cups (360 ml)	Creates a smooth, creamy texture
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup (50 g)	Adds a nutty, salty richness
Italian seasoning	½ teaspoon	Infuses the dish with aromatic herbs
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Balances flavors
Chopped fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Adds freshness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken

• In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Add Garlic Butter

• Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic.
• Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Create the Sauce

• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
• Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
• Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the creamy garlic pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
• Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for an added touch.
• Serve immediately and enjoy every rich, creamy bite!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh garlic – It provides the boldest and richest flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken – It should be juicy and tender.
• Let the sauce simmer – This helps it thicken naturally.
• Reserve pasta water – Add a splash if the sauce is too thick.
• Use high-quality Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your pasta? Here are some great options!

Variation	How to Modify
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch-thickened sauce.
Low-Carb	Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Extra Protein	Add grilled shrimp or bacon for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Option	Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Spicy Kick	Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or asparagus add a nice contrast.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~650
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	30g
Fiber	3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just reheat it with the garlic butter before adding to the pasta.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best for holding the creamy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce and pasta separately, then reheat and combine before serving.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add extra Parmesan for a richer texture.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Try this restaurant-quality dish at home and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

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