Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through strands of pasta coated in a rich, garlic butter chicken pasta sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. The aroma of sautéed garlic and butter fills your kitchen, while tender chicken pieces add satisfying protein to this comforting dish. This garlic butter chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—simple enough for busy evenings yet impressive enough for guests. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors while keeping the recipe straightforward and delicious every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter chicken pasta recipe is about to become your new go-to meal for so many reasons. First, it delivers that perfect comfort food experience with its silky, buttery sauce that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the al dente pasta creates a textural symphony that makes each bite interesting and satisfying.

What truly sets this garlic butter chicken pasta apart is its remarkable flavor-to-effort ratio. With just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish in about 30 minutes. The sauce achieves that perfect balance—rich and flavorful without being heavy, with garlic that’s punchy without overpowering.

Best of all, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, need to use up ingredients in your fridge, or want to impress dinner guests, this versatile dish delivers consistently delicious results with minimal stress.

Ingredients

For this delicious garlic butter chicken pasta, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The heart of this dish is the butter and garlic combination—use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for the most vibrant flavor. For the pasta, fettuccine works beautifully, but any pasta shape that holds sauce well makes an excellent choice. The Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.

Pro Tips

Master the Pasta Cooking
For perfect garlic butter chicken pasta, cook your pasta just until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Always reserve at least 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this magical ingredient helps bind the sauce to the pasta and can thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Perfect Your Chicken Technique
For juicy, tender chicken that elevates your garlic butter chicken pasta, don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a nice golden sear rather than steaming. Season the chicken before cooking and resist the urge to constantly stir—letting it develop a golden crust adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Garlic Cooking Method Matters
The key to perfect garlic flavor in your garlic butter chicken pasta is cooking it just right. Add the minced garlic to the pan only after reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30-60 seconds. Browned garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish. If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, immediately add a splash of chicken broth to stop the cooking process.

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Just before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a better sear and more flavorful garlic butter chicken pasta.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add incredible flavor to your garlic butter chicken pasta. Bring the liquid to a simmer and let it reduce by about half, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Remove the garlic butter chicken pasta from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, with additional grated Parmesan on the side if desired.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Garlic Butter Pasta
Transform your garlic butter chicken pasta into a more nutritious meal by adding vegetables. Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the chicken, or add 2 cups of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes during the final minute of cooking. For a heartier version, roast broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini separately and mix them in just before serving. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors and textures.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
For a brighter, zestier version of this garlic butter chicken pasta, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce. This variation cuts through the richness of the butter and cream, creating a more balanced dish perfect for spring and summer meals. Finish with some fresh basil instead of parsley for an aromatic twist that complements the lemon beautifully.

Protein Swaps
While chicken makes this pasta dish hearty and satisfying, you can easily substitute it with other proteins. Try using shrimp for a quicker cooking time (they’ll only need 2-3 minutes per side), or use sliced Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage and Serving

This garlic butter chicken pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. The sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but a good stir will bring it back together.

For serving, present your garlic butter chicken pasta in warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. Accompany it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the pasta. A side of garlic bread makes an excellent addition for soaking up any extra sauce.

Transform leftovers into a completely new meal by adding a splash of chicken broth to create a pasta soup, or bake it with additional cheese on top for a pasta casserole. For an elegant dinner party presentation, serve small portions as a first course, garnished with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon zest.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this garlic butter chicken pasta?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. As a general rule, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (e.g., 2 teaspoons dried parsley instead of 2 tablespoons fresh). Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process to allow them time to rehydrate and release their flavors.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your garlic butter chicken pasta sauce is too thin, continue simmering it for a few additional minutes to reduce. Alternatively, make a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute until thickened.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh, then combine everything and reheat gently just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of garlic butter chicken pasta by substituting plant-based butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

What wine pairs well with garlic butter chicken pasta?
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine that has good acidity to cut through the butter and cream. Try a Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Chianti works well without overpowering the delicate garlic flavors.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying with every twirl of your fork. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal effort. Make it once, and it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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