Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta – A Family Favorite!

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Meta Description: Looking for the perfect comfort meal? This garlic butter chicken & Parmesan pasta is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together effortlessly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy dinner with family, or a meal-prep favorite, this garlic butter chicken & Parmesan pasta ticks all the right boxes.

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken bites cooked in garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Every forkful is a blend of savory, cheesy, and buttery goodness—making this dish an instant hit.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Rich & Flavorful – A buttery garlic sauce with creamy Parmesan cheese.
One-Pan Option – Cook it all in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.


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If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent pasta recipe, this one delivers big on taste without the fuss.

What Makes This Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta So Irresistible?

The Perfect Combination of Creamy, Buttery, and Cheesy Flavors

This dish is all about balance—the garlic-infused butter, the juicy chicken, and the silky, Parmesan-loaded sauce work together to create a rich, comforting meal that’s hard to resist.

Here’s what makes every bite unforgettable:

🥄 Garlic Butter – Enhances the chicken and sauce with deep, savory notes.
🍗 Juicy Chicken – Tender, perfectly seasoned, and lightly seared.
🧀 Parmesan Cream Sauce – Smooth, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
🍝 Al Dente Pasta – Soaks up the sauce without getting mushy.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Uses pantry staples but tastes restaurant-quality.
Customizable – Works with different pasta shapes, proteins, or add-ins.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes just as good the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients:

For the Chicken

IngredientAmountPurpose
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts1 lb (450g)Lean protein, juicy and flavorful
Olive Oil2 tbspHelps with searing and enhances flavor
Unsalted Butter2 tbspAdds richness and enhances the garlic flavor
Garlic (minced)3 clovesEssential for bold, aromatic taste
Paprika1 tspAdds depth and mild heat
Garlic Powder½ tspEnhances the overall seasoning
Salt & Black PepperTo tasteBalances and intensifies flavors

For the Pasta & Sauce

IngredientAmountPurpose
Pasta (Penne, Fettuccine, or Your Choice)10 oz (300g)Holds the sauce and adds texture
Unsalted Butter2 tbspAdds richness to the sauce
Garlic (minced)2 clovesInfuses the sauce with flavor
Heavy Cream1 ½ cups (360ml)Creates a creamy, silky texture
Parmesan Cheese (grated)½ cup (50g)Gives a nutty, cheesy depth
Italian Seasoning½ tspAdds herbaceous notes
Salt & Black PepperTo tasteEnhances overall taste
Fresh Parsley (chopped)2 tbspBrightens the dish

Optional Additions & Substitutions

  • Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Make It Lighter: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Switch Up Proteins: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta to the Perfect Texture

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
  • Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Pour in heavy cream and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.

4. Combine Everything for the Ultimate Pasta Dish

  • Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

5. Serve & Enjoy

  • Plate the pasta while warm.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Looking for the perfect side dish? Here are some ideas:

🍞 Garlic Bread – Ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light contrast to the creamy pasta.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Adds nutrients and texture.
🍷 White Wine – Pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.

Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store & Keep Your Pasta Creamy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce can separate.

Best Way to Reheat

  • Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Overcooking the Chicken – Keep it juicy by searing, not steaming.
Using Too Much Cream – Can make the dish too heavy.
Not Stirring the Sauce Enough – Prevents clumps and separation.
Skipping the Seasoning – Always taste and adjust flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything and store separately, then reheat before serving.

2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

3. Can I make this low-carb?

Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

4. What’s the best cheese for extra creaminess?

A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella works beautifully.

5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred and mix it in with the sauce.

Final Thoughts on the Best Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

This garlic butter chicken & Parmesan pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite pasta dish? 🍽️👇

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Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta – A Family Favorite!


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  • Author: Melany
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and buttery flavors. Featuring tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan-coated pasta, it’s a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly meal—ready in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 10 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
    • Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pan.
  • Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
    • Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    • Stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Everything
    • Add pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing until well-coated.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
  • Serve & Enjoy
    • Plate warm and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

  • Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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