Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces; 12 oz fettuccine (or preferred pasta); 6 cloves garlic (4 minced for chicken, 2 for pasta); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for pasta); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil; Chicken broth; Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Warm, garlicky, and deeply comforting, this Garlic Butter Chicken tossed with creamy Parmesan pasta is the kind of dinner that feels special without fuss. Tender bite sized pieces of chicken seared until golden sit atop fettuccine swathed in a silky sauce made from butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. The aroma of sautéed garlic and melted butter fills the kitchen, while the sauce delivers a rich, velvety texture that clings to each strand of pasta. This dish is perfect for weeknight family meals, casual date nights, or anytime you want a satisfying one skillet meal that tastes indulgent but comes together quickly. If you enjoy handheld versions of these flavors, you might also like our cheesy garlic chicken wraps, which take the same garlic butter notes into a portable form.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
Tender chicken pieces, easy to brown and cook quickly.
12 oz fettuccine (or preferred pasta)
Use fettuccine for a classic pairing, or swap to your favorite pasta shape.
6 cloves garlic (4 minced for chicken, 2 for pasta)
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its bright, aromatic flavor.
4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for pasta)
Unsalted lets you control seasoning while providing rich mouthfeel.
1 cup heavy cream
Creates the silky, luxurious base for the Parmesan sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds salty, nutty umami and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive oil
For searing the chicken and preventing the butter from burning.
Chicken broth
Light liquid to loosen and flavor the sauce as it simmers.
Italian seasoning
A simple dried herb blend to season the chicken.
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal finish.

For a beef variation with similar garlic butter charm, try the garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water. Tip, keep the reserved water handy to loosen the sauce if needed.
While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the bite sized chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic. Return the browned chicken to the pan and give it a quick toss to coat.
In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the remaining 2 garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 1 cup heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
Whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and glossy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
Toss the cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce so each strand is coated evenly. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Small cooking tip, taste and adjust salt before serving since Parmesan and broth add saltiness.

If you prefer a spiced up butter sauce variation, explore the cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe for inspiration.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous servings
Calories: Approximately 885 kcal per serving

For an easy wrap inspired option, see our deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps for a different way to enjoy these flavors.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown evenly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Keep the reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce texture without watering down flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Freezing
- You can freeze the cooked chicken separate from the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat together, adding a little broth to refresh the sauce.
Flavor variations using only the provided ingredients
- Creamier sauce: add a touch more heavy cream and extra Parmesan for a richer finish.
- Herb forward: stir extra chopped parsley into the sauce just before tossing with pasta.
- Broth forward: increase the chicken broth slightly to make a looser, lighter sauce while keeping the butter and garlic base.

For a steak based version that leans into Parmesan cream, check the garlic butter steak Parmesan cream sauce for related technique and flavor ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless thighs, but adjust cook time until they are cooked through and golden.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine is ideal for the creamy sauce, but any medium width pasta like linguine or penne will work.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Yes, reduce heavy cream slightly and use a bit more chicken broth to thin while keeping flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat and watch it closely, removing from heat once it becomes fragrant.
Is freshly grated Parmesan necessary?
Freshly grated melts more smoothly and tastes brighter, but pre grated can be used in a pinch.
Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, cook and refrigerate chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a comforting weeknight winner, offering golden seared chicken with a garlic scented, creamy Parmesan sauce that dresses tender fettuccine beautifully. It is easy to scale, forgiving to reheat, and perfect for sharing. For another simple garlic butter chicken take, see Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce!) | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart and for a one pan approach try Garlic Butter Chicken | The Girl Who Ate Everything. I hope you enjoy making this at home, and please share how it turned out with friends or family for a cozy meal.