If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal that’s packed with garlicky, buttery goodness, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. Juicy, pan-seared chicken with a golden crust meets a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s simple but so satisfying. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something straight out of a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan friendly – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Rich and comforting – That garlic butter sauce is everything.
Kid-approved – Simple, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients

(Full ingredient list below!)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Butter
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream
Pasta of your choice (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work great!)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let it rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it thicken slightly. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the chicken – Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
Reserve pasta water – Helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
Try a different protein – Shrimp or even salmon work beautifully in this dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

A crisp side salad – A simple Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
Garlic bread – Because extra garlic butter is never a bad idea.
A glass of white wine – Something like a Chardonnay pairs perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.
Not freezer-friendly – The creamy sauce may separate when frozen.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great, too.
How do I make this without cream?
Use a mix of milk and a little extra butter for richness.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken ahead, but the pasta is best fresh.
What’s the best way to get a crispy chicken crust?
Make sure the pan is hot and don’t move the chicken too soon!

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate easy comfort food. It’s buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and just plain delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this dish never disappoints!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and restaurant-quality meal, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta is a must-try! Juicy pan-seared chicken with a golden crust is paired with a creamy, cheesy pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Remove from the skillet, let rest, and slice before serving.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!