As the garlic butter sizzles in the pan, your kitchen will be filled with a comforting, irresistible aroma that instantly makes you feel at home. There’s something magical about the combination of garlic and butter—rich and aromatic, it’s the flavor base that brings everything together in this dish. As the chicken cooks in this fragrant sauce, it soaks up all that delicious goodness, making each bite tender and flavorful. The buttery sauce clings to every strand of pasta, creating the perfect harmony between rich, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the garlic. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being overwhelming, cozy without being heavy. And let’s not forget that little kick of freshly cracked black pepper and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan to tie everything together—it’s the finishing touch that takes this simple dish from delicious to next-level comfort food. When you twirl a forkful, you’ll get the perfect balance of flavors that make you feel like you’re sitting down to a bowl of pure love.
This is one of those dishes that’s not just about the ingredients, but the joy of bringing them all together. Every step—from searing the chicken to adding the pasta—builds layers of flavor that will leave you craving more. It’s an easy recipe to throw together on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to serve when you want to impress someone special. Plus, the best part? The leftovers (if you have any!) make for a heavenly lunch the next day. Trust me, this garlic butter chicken pasta is a dish that you’ll keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
When it comes to making a dish this flavorful, it’s all about using the right ingredients to build the perfect base. Each component has its role in creating that rich, comforting vibe you’re looking for. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this garlicky, buttery masterpiece.
- Chicken Breast
Tender and lean, chicken breast is the star of the show. It cooks up quickly and absorbs the flavors of the garlic butter, keeping each bite juicy and succulent. - Butter
The foundation of this sauce, butter is what brings the garlic to life. It adds a velvety richness that makes the pasta creamy and indulgent without being too heavy. - Garlic
Garlic is the heart of the flavor profile in this dish. Its savory, slightly sweet undertones blend perfectly with the butter, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. - Olive Oil
Olive oil adds a subtle richness to the chicken, helping it sear perfectly. It also balances out the butter to keep the dish from feeling too greasy. - Pasta
The pasta is the vehicle for all those delicious flavors. Choose your favorite kind—whether it’s fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti—because it will soak up every bit of that buttery sauce. - Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the end brings a salty, umami-packed finish to each bite. It ties everything together and adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish pop. - Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
A dash of black pepper gives the dish a subtle heat, balancing out the richness of the butter and garlic, making every bite exciting. - Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a bright, herby touch, not just for color but for a fresh contrast that cuts through the richness of the sauce and rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
STEP 1:
Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Once cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
STEP 2:
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, season your chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
STEP 3:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. As the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic. Let the garlic sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned—this is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
STEP 4:
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce. Stir the garlic butter mixture to combine. Add in the cooked pasta and toss to coat, ensuring every strand is coated in that luscious buttery goodness.
STEP 5:
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the pasta and toss gently to combine everything. Let the pasta and chicken soak in the garlic butter for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
STEP 6:
Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give everything one last toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
STEP 7:
Serve your garlic butter chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Dig in and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- A Side Salad with a Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette
Pair your creamy garlic butter chicken pasta with a light, refreshing side salad. A crisp mix of greens with a tangy lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the dish, balancing the flavors perfectly. Plus, it adds that extra pop of color to your plate! - Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf
If you’re all about that extra buttery goodness, serve your pasta with some warm, crispy garlic bread on the side. The crunchy texture and buttery, garlicky flavors are a match made in heaven. Trust me, you’ll be dipping it right into the sauce. - Roasted Vegetables
For a little more substance and a burst of roasted flavors, throw together some veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the savory pasta beautifully.
I’ve made these additions countless times, and they always elevate the meal—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), storing garlic butter chicken pasta is easy, and with just a few tips, you can keep it tasting fresh and delicious. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the pasta soggy. Once cooled, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3-4 days, and you’ll be able to enjoy those flavors for another meal.
To reheat, I recommend gently warming the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or even a little extra butter to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally, and within minutes, it will be as if you just made it fresh. If you’re using the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out.
If you’d like to freeze the leftovers for longer storage, go ahead and portion them into freezer-safe containers. You can keep the pasta frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. That same creamy, garlicky goodness will be waiting for you!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From the buttery garlic sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this garlic butter chicken pasta has all the makings of a meal you’ll return to again and again. It’s simple, yet indulgent, and always hits the spot.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in, serving it for a dinner party, or just craving something warm and comforting, this recipe has you covered. And don’t forget, the leftovers—if there are any—are just as good the next day, so you can keep the joy going!
I’d love to hear what you think if you give it a try—did you make any tasty tweaks or additions? Or maybe you just want to chat about how good the house smelled while it was cooking (I mean, who wouldn’t?). Feel free to drop me a comment or ask me any questions. I’m here and happy to help. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Description
Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce that wraps every bite in savory goodness. This dish is a comforting blend of flavors, with a hint of garlic and a touch of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
-
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
-
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
-
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer again.
-
Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
-
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
-
Cut the cooked chicken into thin slices.
-
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
-
Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and gently toss again to combine.
-
Stir in the fresh parsley and butter, allowing the butter to melt and coat the pasta.
-
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Note
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.
- To save time, cook the pasta while preparing the chicken and sauce.
