Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients for a decadent yet easy-to-make meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta brings together juicy pan-seared chicken, aromatic garlic, and a luscious butter sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s creamy without being too heavy, and the garlicky flavor adds a bold and savory kick. This dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights or special dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastspasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)unsalted buttergarlic cloves (minced)olive oilsaltblack pepperItalian seasoningparmesan cheesefresh parsley (optional, for garnish)chicken broth or pasta water (to loosen the sauce)

directions

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice.

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.

Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to create a silky sauce.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toss until well coated.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a twist on flavor.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
Use heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier version of the sauce.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the pasta texture may suffer.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works well—just add it after the garlic is sautéed.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What pasta works best?

Any type—spaghetti, penne, linguine, or even bowtie pasta will pair well with the garlic butter sauce.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch—start with 1 teaspoon.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers are great options to mix in.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting a casual dinner, this dish will impress with its buttery, garlicky goodness and satisfying texture.

Print