Looking for a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that never fails to impress, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for quick family dinners, this creamy garlic pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your kitchen. So, let’s dive in and make this deliciousness happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
- Easy to customize with your favorite pasta or protein swaps
- Creamy, garlicky sauce that’s simply irresistible
- A one-skillet wonder that makes cleanup a breeze
- Feeds the whole family and leaves everyone wanting more
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. Don’t worry – it’s a simple list of pantry staples and fresh 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down step by step. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that comes together quickly, so make sure to have all your ingredients ready!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta even better:
- Customize the protein: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables instead. Or, for a seafood twist, try shrimp or scallops!
- Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan on top for a nice texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it golden: For that golden, caramelized flavor, cook the garlic butter a bit longer until it’s fragrant and slightly darkened.
How to Serve
When it comes to serving, keep it simple or go all out – whatever you prefer! Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep or making ahead. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce.
- Freeze: While the sauce can be frozen, the pasta is best fresh. Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months and thaw when ready to serve.
And there you have it – a creamy, garlicky, golden chicken pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or just a delicious meal to enjoy, this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes like How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or How to Make Chicken Alfredo for more weeknight dinner ideas!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 300 g pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add butter and garlic, stir to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.
