There’s something truly irresistible about a good creamy pasta dish, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe hits every note of comfort and flavor you could wish for. Tender chicken cubes bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enriched with Parmesan and a splash of cream, come together with perfectly cooked pasta to create a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings warmth, richness, and an unforgettable garlicky punch that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in the straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the buttery richness to the fresh garlic punch and the tender chicken, everything plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Chicken breasts: Cubed and seasoned, they provide a hearty protein base and absorb all the creamy, garlicky goodness.
- Pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or your favorite shape that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and forms the base of the sauce, ensuring a velvety texture.
- Garlic cloves: Ten cloves mean this dish has a bold, aromatic punch—feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to both chicken and pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth that elevates the sauce to restaurant-quality decadence.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a subtle kick that livens up the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken perfectly without sticking or burning.
- Dry white wine: Optional; adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, creating layers of flavor.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce’s depth and helps adjust consistency.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together just right.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat creates the perfect environment for browning. Sear the chicken, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through—this caramelization is key for building flavor layers. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so the skillet is ready for what’s next.
Step 2: Build That Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then melt the butter in the now-empty skillet. When it’s fully melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes—this step is where the aroma bursts to life, so don’t let the garlic burn or the sauce will turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Depth with Wine and Cream
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it reduces slightly. This little splash adds acidity and rounds out the richness of the cream that follows. Once the wine has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer just until it thickens slightly—this is what gives the sauce that luxurious, creamy texture that’s so memorable.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then fold in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This combination perfectly balances richness, freshness, and just a hint of heat.
Step 5: Cook and Toss the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining! Adding some of this starchy water to the sauce later helps the sauce cling to the pasta just right without getting too thick or gloopy.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, giving it a quick toss to coat. Then add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together. Use the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to adjust the sauce consistency until it’s silky and perfectly coats each piece.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make every forkful even more inviting, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. These simple garnishes add a fresh, cheesy pop and make the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad lightly dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. The acidity and crunch from the sides play beautifully against the richness of the pasta, creating a well-rounded meal that feels satisfying but not heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with microgreens or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. You can even stuff the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers or bake individual portions in ramekins topped with breadcrumbs for a bubbly crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld a bit, making reheated servings even tastier, though the pasta can absorb some sauce, so a splash of cream or broth added during reheating helps revive the texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe, let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months, but know that the texture of the pasta might soften after freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a little cream, broth, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating or the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are fantastic because their ridges hold sauce, but you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even shells—the key is to cook it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
While heavy cream gives that rich, silky texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less thick and not as velvety. Adding a little flour or cornstarch can help thicken it up if you go lighter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor while staying dairy-free.
What wine pairs well with this creamy chicken pasta?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, garlicky flavors without overpowering them. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can work, served chilled.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well and makes a satisfying, quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain freshness and add them right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s both elegant and easy, the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Its rich, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines succulent chicken, flavorful pasta, and a luscious sauce with a subtle hint of white wine.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to taste!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt completely, creating a rich base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Deglaze with Wine: If using, pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for several minutes until it slightly thickens, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and stir to combine.
- Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for an attractive presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your taste preferences.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the white wine and add extra chicken broth instead.
- Reserve pasta water is important as its starch helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and meltability.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
