Name: Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – 2 large breasts (around 1 to 1.5 lbs); Garlic cloves (minced) – 4 cloves; Butter (unsalted) – 4 tablespoons (½ stick); Olive oil – 2 tablespoons; Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml); Parmesan cheese (grated) – 1 cup (about 100g); Pasta (any variety) – 8 oz (about 225g) (fettuccine or spaghetti preferred); Fresh parsley (chopped) – 2 tablespoons; Salt and pepper – to taste (approx. 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper); Lemon juice (optional) – 1 tablespoon (for a hint of freshness)

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This garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta is everything you need for a cozy dinner. Imagine tender chicken coated in rich, garlicky butter, served alongside creamy parmesan pasta. It’s like comfort food heaven in one dish—perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests. The combination of buttery chicken and creamy pasta is truly irresistible, and I bet it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you love garlic, butter, and cheesy pasta (who doesn’t?), then you’ll adore this dish! The chicken is so juicy and flavorful, and the pasta has that creamy, dreamy texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less mess and more time to relax. Plus, the whole thing comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or when you just want something that feels indulgent without all the hassle!

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Butter (unsalted)
Olive oil
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Pasta (any variety you like, but I prefer fettuccine or spaghetti)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice (optional for a hint of freshness)

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but this is just a sneak peek of what’s in store for your taste buds!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of pasta water; you might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it! Add in the heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens slightly. If you like your sauce creamier, you can add a bit of pasta water to get the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic butter sauce until it’s well-coated. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue to toss until everything is melted and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange it on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a little extra flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the chicken; it should stay juicy and tender. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s perfectly cooked.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce before adding the cream.
Use freshly grated parmesan if possible—it melts and incorporates better into the sauce than pre-grated cheese.
Make sure to save some pasta water! It’s a great way to thin out the sauce and help it stick to the noodles.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
For a lighter version, try swapping out the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk (though the sauce may be a little less rich).
You can add some veggies to the mix—think spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes—to boost the flavor and nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Try serving it with a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal. For the perfect drink pairing, a glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy pasta and rich garlic butter sauce perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store the chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce again, as it tends to thicken when stored. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

4 FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, add the cooked pasta, and top with the chicken.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken and parmesan pasta? A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread would all make fantastic side dishes!
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk for the sauce. Be sure to skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta is one of those meals that’s sure to wow your family and friends without any extra effort. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta, it’s a comforting, delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian

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Description

This garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta is the ultimate cozy dinner. Tender chicken is coated in rich, garlicky butter and paired with creamy parmesan pasta. A comforting, easy, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Save a bit of pasta water for later, then drain.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Thicken slightly, adding pasta water for desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen.
Serve and Garnish: Slice chicken into strips and place over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect tenderness.
Flavor boost: Add white wine after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce before adding cream for an extra depth of flavor.
Cheese tip: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a smooth, creamy sauce.