Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter, tossed with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
For the chicken
- 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
For the pasta
- 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)
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black 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 butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat it evenly with the sauce. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Plate the creamy pasta, then top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or farfalle depending on your texture preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy garlic chicken