Looking for an easy chicken dinner for a busy weeknight? This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich creamy sauce in one comforting meal.
The recipe takes about 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Dinner
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Creamy and comforting
- Family-friendly
- Simple ingredients
- Great for leftovers
- Perfect with garlic bread or a fresh salad
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Extra Parmesan
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until tender.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.
Pour in a little reserved pasta water and toss until the sauce coats the pasta.
Add more pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
6. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan over the top.
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Do not overcook the chicken. Remove it from the skillet once cooked through.
Reserve pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a smooth sauce.
Add Parmesan over low heat so the cheese melts smoothly.
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.
Easy Variations
Add Broccoli
Steam broccoli and stir it into the finished pasta.
Add Spinach
Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the final few minutes.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce.
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken, then continue with the sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs work well if you prefer darker meat.
What to Serve With Chicken Pasta
Try serving this creamy pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Fresh garden salad
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well. Boneless chicken thighs also give excellent results.
What pasta should I use?
Penne, fettuccine, linguine, rotini, and spaghetti all work well.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. A little reserved pasta water also helps create a smooth sauce.
Is this good for a family dinner?
Yes. The mild creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a simple family-friendly dinner.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Method: Stovetop
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is an easy dinner for nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Juicy chicken, tender pasta, garlic butter, cream, and Parmesan come together for a restaurant-style meal at home.
Save this recipe for your next easy chicken dinner.