The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine decadent creamy garlic butter chicken pasta twirling around your fork, each bite reminiscent of a comforting embrace from your favorite blanket. The flavors are rich and savory, promising a delightful explosion on your taste buds.
When I first made this dish for my family, the kitchen was filled with excited chatter and the sound of forks clinking against plates. It felt like an instant hit—everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this recipe delivers an unforgettable experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta recipe is incredibly easy to whip up after a long day
- Its rich flavor profile will leave your taste buds dancing with joy
- The dish is visually stunning, making it perfect for entertaining guests or family dinners
- It’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or fridge
I remember the first time my friends tasted this dish; their eyes lit up like kids at a candy store.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm and fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor—no one wants soggy garlic!
- Pasta of Choice: I recommend fettuccine or linguine; they hold the sauce well and add elegance to the dish.
- Butter: Use real unsalted butter for that rich creaminess; margarine just won’t cut it here.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens! It gives that luscious texture we all crave.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and umami flavor; it’s worth the extra effort!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Good seasoning can elevate any dish—don’t skimp on these essentials!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking; it makes the process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes—then remove from pan.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before adding heavy cream. Stir gently while bringing to a simmer.
Add Cheese and Combine: Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add back cooked chicken and mix well.
Toss in Pasta: Finally, add drained pasta into the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness!
Enjoy this delightful creamy garlic butter chicken pasta as you gather around with family or friends—it’s bound to become a beloved favorite!
You Must Know
- This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is a game-changer for weeknight dinners
- It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to whip up
- The aromatic blend of garlic and butter will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents, making everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and ready at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on low heat; add a splash of cream to revive its creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor, as pre-minced options lack depth
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key for texture
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate the dish significantly
Creating this dish reminds me of a dinner party where I accidentally spilled half a cup of garlic into the sauce! Surprisingly, everyone loved it, and it became a running joke ever since.
FAQ
Can I make creamy garlic butter chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it earlier but store the sauce separately for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be great alternatives to lighten up the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully, perfect for quick lunches.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta, a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients before starting.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes), then remove from pan.
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, then add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Toss drained pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
