Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Delight

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one irresistible meal. This recipe is simple yet indulgent, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a savory garlic butter sauce and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, it’s sure to satisfy all of your cravings for something hearty and flavorful.

The balance of creamy, garlicky goodness with the savory chicken and pasta creates a deliciously rich dish that everyone will enjoy. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy choice for busy nights, while still feeling like a treat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Delight combines all the flavors you love—garlic, butter, Parmesan, and juicy chicken—into one easy-to-make dish. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the garlic adds a fragrant depth of flavor. The chicken breasts are tender and perfectly seasoned, while the Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a deliciously rich finish. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the type of pasta or seasonings to your liking. It’s a one-pan dish that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Pasta of your choice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes:

• Pasta Choices: Feel free to swap out the pasta for your favorite type—spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well with this creamy sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra spice.
• Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless thighs or even shrimp for a different protein option.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor of the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burned.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated.

Step 6: Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.

Step 7: Simmer and Garnish

Let everything simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook it just until browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder in this recipe for the best results.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and absorb some of the flavor.

How to Serve

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Delight is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce makes the dish rich and satisfying, while the fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve it alongside a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, for the perfect meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding extra liquid if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little chicken broth or cream to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all great choices.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and reheat when ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the garlic and cream mixture for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking for even cooking.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

8. Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream alternative, like coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.

9. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Delight is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this deliciously creamy pasta dish tonight!

Print