Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – A Delicious 30-Minute Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and comforting meal, this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a must-try! It’s packed with tender, buttery chicken bites, coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, and served over perfectly cooked pasta.

Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

To ensure your pasta is cooked to perfection, follow these pro cooking tips (learn more here). For a gluten-free option, check out this guide to choosing the best gluten-free pasta (read here).
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.


Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

There’s a reason why this creamy garlic chicken pasta is a favorite:

Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, using simple ingredients.
Rich & CreamyGarlic butter sauce and Parmesan create an indulgent flavor.
Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or go low-carb with zucchini noodles.
Nutrient-Rich – Garlic is loaded with antioxidants and health benefits (read more).

If you love comfort food, check out our other delicious pasta recipes (browse here).


Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken

  • Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant, not bitter.

3️⃣ Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

For the best pasta texture, follow our expert pasta cooking tips (read here).

4️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic butter.
  • Slowly whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

5️⃣ Combine & Serve

  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Return chicken bites to the pan and stir everything together.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Close-up of creamy Parmesan sauce coating the pasta perfectly.


Customization Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

🧄 Add More Flavor

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for extra creaminess.
  • Try garlic powder for a stronger garlic kick.

🥦 Add Vegetables

  • Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.

🌶️ Make It Spicy

  • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.

🍤 Swap the Protein

  • Try shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak instead of chicken.

Looking for more high-protein meals? Check out these protein-packed recipes (browse here).


What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Perfect Side Dishes

  • 🥖 Garlic Bread – For extra indulgence.
  • 🥗 Green Salad – A refreshing contrast.
  • 🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Healthy and delicious.

🍷 Best Wine Pairing

  • A crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully.

For more pasta and wine pairing ideas, check out our wine guide (see here).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. What’s the Best Pasta for This Recipe?

  • Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
  • Gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative.

3. How Do I Thicken the Sauce?

  • Simmer longer, or whisk in extra Parmesan cheese.
  • A cornstarch slurry also works.

4. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

  • Yes! Asiago or Romano are great substitutes.

5. How Do I Store Leftovers?

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month (sauce may separate).

Secret to a Perfect Pasta Dish – Ingredients (Keep Visitors Engaged!)

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)

Garnish & Extras

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed, easy meal that’s quick, creamy, and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will be a go-to favorite in your home.

Try this 30-minute recipe today, and let us know how you like it! 🍽️✨
A comforting bowl of creamy garlic butter chicken pasta—perfect for dinner!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

600kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 30 minutes
A quick and comforting meal featuring tender chicken bites in a creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
Garnish & Extras
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped

Method

Cook the Chicken
  1. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
  5. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
  1. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant, not bitter.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  1. Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic butter.
  2. Slowly whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Combine & Serve
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Return chicken bites to the pan and stir everything together.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories600kcalCarbohydrates60gProtein40gFat30gSaturated Fat18gSodium800mgFiber2gSugar2g

Notes

For a gluten-free option, choose suitable pasta and add veggies for extra nutrition.

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