If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a comforting pasta base, the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to meal. This dish brings tender chicken, velvety garlic butter sauce, and a cheesy finish together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight supper but impressive enough to serve guests, making it one of those recipes that effortlessly combines ease and elegance. Let me take you on a journey through this incredibly satisfying, flavorful, and utterly delicious pasta experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity here—each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the silky butter and cream to the sharp tang of Parmesan and the punch of fresh garlic, these basics come together harmoniously to create something truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken cut into cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or your favorite shape; it’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up that luscious sauce.
- Unsalted butter: This forms the rich, indulgent base of the sauce—unsalted lets you control seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic delivers the vibrant, aromatic punch that makes this dish pop.
- Heavy cream: Adds that decadent, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan enriches the sauce with sharp, nutty flavor and a lovely smoothness.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the whole dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, these add a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce just right.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection, adding depth and richness.
- Dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, enhancing the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Chicken broth: A splash helps loosen the sauce and add savory background notes.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook it until each side is beautifully browned and the chicken is cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key to locking in juicy flavor and creating that wonderful caramelized exterior. Once done, set the chicken aside but keep that flavorful oil and fond in the pan—it’s going to build the base of our sauce.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Saute Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and introduce your butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely, turning the pan into a glossy, luxurious pool. Add the minced garlic and cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Here, the goal is to coax out that fragrant aroma without letting any of those precious garlic bits turn bitter or burnt. This fragrant garlic butter is truly the heart and soul of this pasta dish.
Step 3: Add Wine and Simmer
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and allow it to simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step lets the alcohol cook off while concentrating the flavors, creating a subtle tang that balances the richness of the butter and cream perfectly. If you’re skipping wine, no worries—just move on to the next step by adding chicken broth directly.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Thicken
Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly over a few minutes. This gentle reduction process creates the luxurious, creamy texture that coats every bite of pasta and chicken with silky goodness. Keep your heat low enough so the sauce doesn’t break but thickens just enough to cling beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This is where the sauce transforms into something indulgently flavorful—cheesy, fresh, and with a touch of heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go. The cheese melts into the sauce, deepening the flavors while the parsley keeps things bright and balanced.
Step 6: Cook Pasta and Combine
Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s magic for loosening the sauce if needed. Then, add your cooked chicken back into the pan and toss in the hot pasta. Combine everything gently, tossing to coat every piece in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce feels too thick. Serve it hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your dish from great to spectacular, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving. This adds a fresh herbal punch, a little extra cheesiness, and makes every plate look irresistibly inviting. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for a visual pop and subtle heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines perfectly on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables can bring contrasting textures and flavors that round out your meal beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also a classic companion, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that heavenly sauce. Keep your sides simple—this pasta is the real star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta in individual pasta bowls topped with microgreens or fresh basil for a gourmet touch. You can also bake it briefly in a casserole dish topped with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden crust. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to any presentation style, whether casual family dinners or special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic butter chicken pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the sauce is rich and creamy, it’s best enjoyed fresh but storing it properly keeps the flavors intact and prevents dryness. When you’re ready to eat again, give it a good stir while reheating to revive the sauce.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but because of the cream and butter, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, portion the pasta into airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop rather than the microwave to preserve texture as much as possible.
Reheating
The best way to reheat creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid high heat to keep that creamy consistency intact. This technique brings back a freshly-cooked taste you’ll love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini work beautifully because their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Even spaghetti can be delicious if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it okay to substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and remain juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to make sure they are cooked through and tender, as thighs can sometimes take a little longer than breasts.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep the soul of the dish while skipping chicken, try swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy garlic butter sauce is so flavorful it stands up well even without meat.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can work, though the sauce will be less rich. For the creamiest texture, heavy cream is best, but these substitutes can still deliver a tasty dish.
Why does the sauce sometimes separate when reheating?
Sauces with cream and butter can separate if reheated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Always reheat slowly over low heat with some extra liquid and stir gently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, once you try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s going to climb straight to the top of your recipe favorites. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of comfort and flavor in every silky bite. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers an effortless, indulgent meal that’s hard to beat. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this creamy, garlicky, buttery goodness—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with cream, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a delicious blend of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes with minimal fuss, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to taste!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the butter: Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt completely, forming the base for the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.
- Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in the dry white wine, if using, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. This adds depth and acidity to the sauce.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, which should take a few minutes.
- Enrich the sauce: Turn heat to low and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta following package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce, mixing gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for an added burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use any pasta shape you like; penne, rotini, or fusilli work particularly well to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- White wine is optional but recommended for added depth; if omitted, substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and create the perfect silky texture.
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
