If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy garlic butter sauce and parmesan cheese, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. The harmony of rich butter, nutty parmesan, and fragrant garlic turns a few simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This is truly one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the secret to making this dish shine. Each component is straightforward yet essential, giving you that perfect balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and savory chicken flavor. Here’s what to gather before you start cooking:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut; thighs offer more moisture, breasts are leaner—both work beautifully.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: These shapes hold onto sauce wonderfully, creating that comforting, creamy bite you want.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): The foundation of the sauce—offers richness and helps develop the garlic’s aroma.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the chicken without burning the butter, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star flavor that perfumes the entire dish with warmth and depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp, salty, nutty flavors that elevate each bite.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness to brighten the dish when served.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step unlocks savory depth that’s essential for the dish. Heat up the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear it for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, until you get that gorgeous golden crust and the meat is cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep all those juices locked in.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or linguine until al dente—that perfect balance where it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. That little bit of starchy water becomes essential in adjusting the sauce texture later!
Step 3: Craft the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about one minute—be careful not to burn it because that can turn bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, cheesy coating. If it seems too thick, slowly add in the reserved pasta water until you reach a luscious consistency that clings perfectly to the noodles.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Add Chicken
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy garlic butter parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated. Then, layer those sliced chicken pieces on top so the flavors mingle even more. The contrast between the tender chicken and rich sauce creates a truly indulgent experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches bring your dish to life! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley introduces a vibrant green contrast and a hint of brightness that perfectly cuts through the richness. Add an extra dusting of parmesan cheese on top if you want to amp up the cheesy goodness even further. The result looks as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes for a complete and satisfying meal. The salad’s acidity balances the creaminess, keeping things fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this dish in individual pasta bowls topped with parsley sprigs and a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle citrus twist. Alternatively, plate the chicken slices fanned out atop the pasta for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to 3 days, and flavors often deepen overnight, making it a great next-day treat.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter texture slightly, you can freeze this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in a sealed container for up to 1 month. To preserve the best flavor and consistency, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Microwave works fine too, but stirring frequently will help retain that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are recommended for their ability to hold sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work perfectly. Choose what you love or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a nutritional yeast-based parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.
How can I make the chicken extra tender?
Marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs can add moisture and flavor. Also, don’t skip the resting period after cooking, as it allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.
What can I do if my sauce becomes too thick?
Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water or extra heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, and stir gently until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be mindful of cooking times as gluten-free pastas often cook faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how a simple set of ingredients can come together to create a dish so rich, comforting, and downright delicious as this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises an easy, satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your cookbook. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with fettuccine pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter and parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a perfect comfort food meal with a balance of savory garlic, creamy cheese, and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens smoothly. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach a creamy consistency.
- Toss and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it evenly with the garlic butter parmesan sauce. Arrange the sliced chicken on top, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, let it rest covered for a few minutes after cooking before slicing.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and delivers more robust flavor than pre-grated options.
- Optional additions: red chili flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
