Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

My latest kitchen adventure combines crispy garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan pasta that will make your taste buds dance.

Fragrant herbs and golden-brown chicken pieces create a magical meal everyone craves.

Succulent chicken breasts get a delightful golden crust from careful searing.

Parmesan cheese melts into a silky sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta strands.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes, promising a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

You will absolutely love how quickly this meal comes together and how impressive it looks on the plate.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Hits Hard

  • Conquer Culinary Challenge: Perfectly balances complex flavors with straightforward cooking techniques, making restaurant-quality meal accessible for home cooks.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic ingredients like garlic, parmesan, and chicken into a universally loved dish that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
  • Streamline Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and uses single skillet method, reducing dishes and cooking time while delivering maximum flavor impact.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet meal through strategic cooking steps, allowing even novice chefs to produce professional-looking results.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the centerpiece of this delicious dish.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful mixture that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and enhances the golden-brown sear on the chicken.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce with a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a silky sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the sauce's smooth, velvety texture and rich flavor.
Pasta Components:
  • Pasta: The perfect vehicle for absorbing the creamy parmesan sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Easy

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a perfect golden sear when cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning

Mix together:
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a robust seasoning mix that will elevate the chicken’s flavor.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Seasoning

Generously rub the herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch is covered with the flavorful blend.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil starts to shimmer, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest Cooked Chicken

Transfer chicken from skillet to a warm plate, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter until it becomes slightly foamy and fragrant.

Step 8: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 10: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture, usually 8-10 minutes.

Step 11: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour creamy parmesan sauce over noodles, gently tossing to ensure even coating.

Step 12: Plate and Serve

Arrange pasta on plates and top with the seared chicken breasts.

Step 13: Final Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips That Take Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Up A Notch

  • Perfectly Pat Chicken: Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing chicken breasts.
  • Precise Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
  • Smart Skillet Strategy: Reuse the same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture delicious browned bits and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Add parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Herb Harmony: Adjust herb quantities to personal taste, ensuring a balanced and aromatic seasoning blend that complements the chicken and pasta.

Fun Flavor Ideas For Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace herb seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced jalapeños to sauce for extra heat and serve with cilantro-lime pasta.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap oregano and basil for fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Use feta cheese instead of parmesan and add chopped kalamata olives to pasta.
  • Mushroom Marsala Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in skillet before making sauce. Deglaze pan with marsala wine, replacing chicken broth for rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta: Crisp chopped bacon in skillet before cooking chicken. Incorporate crumbled bacon bits into parmesan sauce and sprinkle extra on top for crunchy texture.

Best Pairings For Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter chicken's rich, creamy flavor profile and cut through the parmesan sauce's richness.
  • Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the luxurious parmesan cream sauce, adding delightful texture and enhancing the meal's overall experience.
  • Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with light lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs like basil and parsley, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta dish.

Smart Ways To Store Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Transfer leftover chicken and pasta to separate airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Wrap cooled chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for up to 2-3 months before reheating.
  • Keep pasta sauce and noodles in separate containers to prevent soggy texture, ensuring crisp and appetizing results when reheating later.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, and gently reheat pasta with a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Common Questions On Garlic Butter Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature, which might take slightly longer than chicken breasts.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones, as dried herbs have more concentrated flavor.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store in the refrigerator.

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan pasta delivers a luxurious dining experience that blends rich, savory flavors in one irresistible dish. Cheesy, tender chicken nestled over silky pasta promises a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic and Herbs:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Butter and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Trim chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Combine minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
  3. Evenly coat chicken breasts with prepared herb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  5. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
  7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter until slightly foamy.
  8. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
  9. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into sauce, stirring until completely melted and sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Simultaneously, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  11. Drain pasta and return to pot, then pour creamy parmesan sauce over noodles, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  12. Plate pasta and top with seared chicken breasts.
  13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Create a consistent seasoning layer by gently pressing herbs into chicken surface, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken texture.
  • Transform this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or certified gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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