Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 lb fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Red pepper flakes (optional)

This garlic butter chicken pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner that combines tender bite-sized chicken with ribbon-like fettuccine or linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. The aroma is warm and inviting, with butter and garlic leading the way and Parmesan adding a savory finish. Texturally, the dish balances silky sauce, al dente pasta, and golden-brown chicken for a satisfying mouthfeel that feels both indulgent and homey. Serve it for weeknight family dinners, cozy weekend meals, or when you want an impressive yet simple dish for guests. If you enjoy similar creamy chicken pasta recipes, you might also like this cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a handheld twist, or try a different creamy comfort meal like creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for added veggies.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
1 lb fettuccine or linguine pasta
Long ribbon pasta works best to catch the creamy sauce.
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning. Room temperature helps it melt evenly.
6 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its fragrant, savory backbone.
1 cup chicken broth
Adds depth and a light savory base for the sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream
Creates the silky, rich texture for the sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty flavor that helps thicken and finish the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A mellow herb blend that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
Salt to taste
Adjust at the end to your preference.
Black pepper to taste
Freshly ground is best for aroma and bite.
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Adds brightness and color to finish the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
For a touch of heat if you like a spicier finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Gather all ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
Tip: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Watch the garlic closely so it does not burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
This builds the sauce and slightly reduces the liquid.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the remaining butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Keep tossing until the butter and cheese melt and coat the pasta evenly.
Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy while hot for the best texture and flavor. For another creamy chicken pasta method, see this buffalo chicken alfredo pasta for a tangy spin.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 880 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Use room temperature butter so it incorporates smoothly into the sauce. Brown the chicken in a hot skillet for better flavor. Keep some reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish is best frozen without the pasta for texture reasons. Freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients:
- Extra cheesy: Stir in an additional 2 to 4 tablespoons of Parmesan for a richer finish.
- Garlicky boost: Increase to 8 cloves of garlic for more aromatic intensity.
- Spicy kick: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes while tossing to create a noticeable heat.
- Creamier sauce: Add an extra splash of heavy cream if you prefer a looser, silkier sauce.
  For a buttery twist with bold flavor, you can adapt techniques from this cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe.

FAQ

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, fettuccine or linguine are recommended, but other long or sturdy shapes will work too.
Is unsalted butter required?
Unsalted butter lets you control the final salt level, but you can use salted butter and reduce added salt.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink inside and reach 165 F if using a thermometer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta brings together golden chicken, garlicky butter, and silky cream for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that is simple enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for guests. If you want a quicker, weeknight-friendly version that keeps the same flavors, try this 20-Minute Garlic Chicken Pasta with Butter {SO Easy}. For a different take that uses just one pan and minimal cleanup, see ONE PAN GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA – Nomadette. Give the recipe a try, and share how it turned out for your family or dinner guests.