Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Creamy Parmesan Delight

Few dishes bring comfort and flavor together quite like Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta This recipe combines juicy, garlicky chicken bites with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce tossed over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough for a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The chicken bites are pan-seared in butter and garlic until golden brown, while the pasta soaks up a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s both savory and comforting. Best of all, the whole dish can be prepared in under 40 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this meal is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile — you can customize it with vegetables, different proteins, or even swap pasta shapes to match your mood.

You can also serve this dish with golden chicken meatballs on top of the creamy pasta for a unique twist and extra flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with golden garlic butter chicken meatballs on top — Creamy Parmesan penne pasta topped with garlic butter chicken meatballs

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) 🌿

For the Creamy chicken pasta

8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine) 🍝
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1/4 cup chicken broth 🍲
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, but reserve about half a cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening later.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–6 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing until each strand is coated in creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water.

5. Finish and Serve

Top the pasta with your garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle on some extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
Seafood twist: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops to create a seafood Alfredo-inspired dish.
Healthier version: Use whole wheat pasta or add extra spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for more nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread — for soaking up every bit of sauce.
Fresh green salad — with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted vegetables — like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for extra texture.

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Tips for Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Don’t overcook the chicken; small bites cook quickly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to achieving a silky sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also provides a good balance of protein from the chicken, calcium from the Parmesan, and carbohydrates from the pasta. By adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, you can boost the fiber and vitamin content without compromising taste.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish proves that homemade meals can be both quick and indulgent.