Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta 

Enjoy a comforting yet impressive dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy Parmesan pasta. Ready in around 35 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish) 

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve a small cup of pasta water (optional) before draining. 

2. Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.

3. Create the Garlic Butter Coating
Lower the heat slightly, then add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 1–2 minutes to coat the chicken in fragrant garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm. 

4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet (with flavorful bits remaining), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece in creamy sauce. Stir in chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) to taste. 

6. Assemble and Serve
Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken pieces. Garnish with extra parsley (and additional Parmesan if desired). Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. 

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~570 kcal

• Fat: ~32 g

• Carbohydrates: ~45 g

• Protein: ~35 g