Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite 🍝🧄✨

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy, quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, then this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta recipe is perfect for you. Combining tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a weeknight staple that everyone will love. With its irresistible garlic butter flavor, you’ll want to make this flavorful dish over and over. Let’s get started!

2. Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoned chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese — this brings a rich, creamy texture to your dish.

Combining the Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

4. Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overload the pasta with sauce—reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  • For a healthier option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an even more flavorful dish.

5. Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.

6. Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This rich and flavorful pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice or Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles.

What are good substitutions for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk for a lighter version of the sauce.

How long does it take to prepare?

This flavorful pasta dish can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Investing in quality kitchen tools can make your cooking experience smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.

9. Conclusion

This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes — flavorful, creamy, and comforting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite. For more tasty recipes, visit our recipe collection.

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A close-up of a plate of creamy garlic butter chicken pasta featuring tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta coated in a rich, glossy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, presented on a rustic wooden table with a fork placed beside the dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This flavorful dish is perfect for those looking for a quick yet satisfying meal with a comforting, creamy texture and fragrant garlic flavor.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir until it begins to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
  4. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for optimal flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • For a healthier variation, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
  • Vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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