Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
If you’re craving a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with juicy chicken and irresistible garlic butter flavor, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender bites of seasoned chicken are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a silky Parmesan garlic sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for any weeknight.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Pasta
– 12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or penne
– 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
For the Chicken
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
– Chopped fresh parsley
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. In a bowl, season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
– Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Enjoy this creamy, buttery, garlic-packed pasta with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a meal everyone will love!
