If you’re craving a dinner that’s rich, comforting, and ridiculously easy to whip up, then this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Picture tender, juicy chicken nestled alongside perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. It’s a dish that balances simplicity with a flair for elegant taste, making weeknight dinners feel a little more special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this dish. Each item plays a key role, from the hearty chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a beautiful medley that’s satisfying and bright.
- Pasta (8 oz): Choose your favorite shape – spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work wonderfully and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection, adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4): The star protein, tender and juicy throughout after seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: Basics that season the chicken and sauce to bring out the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the garlic flavor beyond the fresh garlic, layering the taste.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Creates that silky, rich base for the sauce, melding all the flavors together.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves): The heart of the recipe – fresh, aromatic, and key to that unforgettable garlic butter essence.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides a savory liquid base that lightens the richness of the cream.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings luscious creaminess that coats every noodle and bite of chicken perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch that thickens and flavors the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their bright, juicy burst cuts through the richness with fresh color and flavor.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Finishing touch that adds color and a delicate herbal freshness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat with your creamy pasta.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente – you want the pasta tender but still with a slight bite, perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic butter sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to thin out the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These simple seasonings pack a punch and infuse every bite with warmth and savory notes. This prep sets the stage for flavorful chicken that’s tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. This process locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then melt the butter in the same skillet. As it foams, add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned – this brings out the sweet, aromatic flavor without bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Pasta Base
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it smoothly with the broth and butter. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, which add a fresh pop of color and a hint of acid to balance the richness.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return them to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together so the noodles are fully coated with that dreamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley generously over the pasta for a burst of color and a light herbal note that brightens every forkful. If you like a little heat, finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes to awaken the flavors with a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add complementary texture and a touch of brightness to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual bowls garnished with extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge to squeeze on top for a hint of fresh acidity. Or, plate it on a large serving platter so everyone can dig in family-style, encouraging conversation and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delicious meal, pack any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce and pasta can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat with freshly made pasta and sauce to keep the dish vibrant and tasty.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, and you’ll enjoy nearly fresh flavors as if it were just made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and juicy due to their higher fat content and will work wonderfully in this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What pasta shape works best?
Any pasta you love will work, but shapes like penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold onto the sauce particularly well thanks to their surface area. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. To compensate, you might need to add a little more Parmesan cheese or simmer longer to thicken.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster or slower than traditional ones.
How spicy does it get with red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference. Adding a pinch provides a gentle warmth that complements the creamy garlic sauce without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is such a beautiful blend of ease and elegance, transforming simple ingredients into a dish you’ll be proud to serve any night of the week. Its comforting creaminess, punchy garlic flavor, and juicy chicken make every bite satisfying and memorable. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new weeknight dinner obsession!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy dinner recipe combining tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it offers a rich, creamy, and hearty comfort food experience with a hint of Italian flair.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and tomatoes to soften.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit them entirely.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
