Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 29 reviews

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that always brings comfort and a touch of indulgence to the dinner table. Every forkful is brimming with juicy bites of chicken nestled in a silky, Parmesan-studded cream sauce, all wrapped lovingly around tender pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, you’ll find yourself coming back to this delicious, family-friendly favorite again and again. If you’re looking to create a meal that’s as elegant as it is easy, this recipe delivers—and then some!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is how it uses simple pantry staples and transforms them into something extraordinary. Each ingredient adds an important note— richness, aroma, color, or that magical creamy factor—so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and tender bites throughout your pasta.
Olive oil: This helps sear the chicken to golden perfection, locking in moisture and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Divided for both the chicken and sauce, it brings that signature rich, dreamy texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses every layer of the dish with its irresistible aroma.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a pop of gorgeous color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Doubles down on that garlicky goodness for delicious depth.
Salt: Adjust as needed to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Black pepper: Just enough to give the dish a whisper of heat and balance.
Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite; the sauce clings perfectly to almost any shape.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce you won’t be able to resist.
Parmesan cheese: Grated finely, it melts right in, giving a nutty, savory lift.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings a touch of herbal brightness to round out the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley: Both mixed in and for garnish, parsley adds fresh color and flavor contrast.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—it’s the key to ensuring your pasta is full of flavor right from the start. Cook it according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This little bit of prep means everything else comes together in a snap!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and let it sizzle until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in butter and minced garlic, letting everything bathe in garlicky goodness for another minute or two. Set the flavorful chicken aside so it stays juicy while you make your sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Without washing the skillet (more flavor!), melt more butter and sauté a fresh round of garlic until it’s just fragrant—don’t let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens. This magical blend is what makes Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta so luxurious.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing well so every noodle is draped in that rich, velvety sauce. Stir in plenty of chopped fresh parsley and season to your taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Serve

To finish, plate your creamy pasta and crown it with the buttery, golden chicken bites you set aside earlier. Sprinkle with a touch more parsley for color, and serve immediately while everything’s steamy and fresh. You know you’re about to savor something truly comforting!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley brightens each plate, while a gentle dusting of extra Parmesan makes the whole dish look (and taste) extra inviting. For a little zing, you can add cracked black pepper or even a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat.

Side Dishes

Let Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta take center stage, but consider adding a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or even roasted vegetables are also perfect for soaking up extra sauce—no one’s letting any go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in individual bowls and topping each with a swirl of sauce and a gorgeous parsley leaf. Or drizzle a little more garlic butter over the chicken before serving for an added aroma that will have everyone’s mouths watering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together wonderfully, making it a satisfying lunch or easy dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta, then combine when reheating to keep everything creamy and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir well until it’s heated through, making sure the chicken is piping hot. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving is never a bad idea!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti all work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a lighter alternative, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free twist, try unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate, and keep a close eye while sautéing. Once the pieces are golden and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), remove them promptly so they stay juicy.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or petite peas make excellent add-ins. Stir them into the sauce just before combining with the pasta for extra color and nutrition.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta spicy?

The classic recipe is mild, but if you love a little heat, don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when you season the chicken. You’re in charge of the spice level!

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how just a few ingredients, when brought together, can create something as comforting and crowd-pleasing as Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re gathering with friends or simply treating yourself, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!