If you’re craving a dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and al dente pasta all tossed together with fresh cherry tomatoes and Parmesan, creating a harmonious dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to serve any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and a gorgeous color contrast that makes this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice: Pick your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully for soaking up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for perfectly searing the chicken, bringing out its golden crust and juicy inside.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g): Tender protein that’s the heart of this dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra punch of garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star ingredient that turns the sauce silky and luxurious.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Loads of aromatic garlic to infuse the sauce with irresistible fragrance.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory richness and balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of bright, juicy sweetness add freshness and color.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): For those who love a little spice to wake up the palate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This ensures that your pasta will hold up nicely when tossed in the rich sauce later. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce up a bit.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This step is essential for building flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Let it melt and then toss in the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned—this should only take about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Tomatoes
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough for them to soften slightly while maintaining their vibrant taste and beautiful color.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the luscious garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it perfectly. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a must—it brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal note. For an extra pop, grate a bit more Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For heartier meals, garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a few cherry tomatoes left whole for color contrast and add a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over right before eating. For a festive touch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sophisticated tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the sauce and pasta together to keep the flavors intact and the pasta moist.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes well. Place your cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when warming to prevent the sauce from drying out and keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works with almost any pasta shape. Just keep cooking times in mind so that pasta remains al dente and doesn’t overcook in the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option, though the sauce might be less rich and creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the chicken is the main protein here, you can swap it for sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian twist. The garlic butter sauce remains delicious either way.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the minced garlic on low to medium heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly and will become bitter if overcooked, so keep an eye on it.
What can I add for extra spice?
Red pepper flakes are a great option for heat, but you can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili peppers depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite for so many. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and enjoy this creamy, garlicky goodness with those you love!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner recipe combining tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, creamy Parmesan, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired for some heat, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of flavor, but you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
