Sophia Langley
A plate of creamy, garlicky goodness wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta—this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. The buttery garlic sauce coats every bite, while the crispy, golden Parmesan topping adds an irresistible crunch. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an easy weeknight meal, it’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite.
Imagine juicy chicken pieces seared to perfection, tossed with pasta in a velvety garlic butter sauce, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The best part? It’s quick to make, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant. This dish will have everyone asking for seconds, so be prepared!
What Type of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. They hold the creamy garlic butter sauce in every curve, making sure every bite is as flavorful as the last. Long pasta, like fettuccine, also works well if you prefer a silkier bite.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Breasts
Lean, boneless chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up the garlicky butter sauce.
Garlic
The heart of this dish—fresh garlic gives the sauce its rich, aromatic flavor.
Butter
Creamy unsalted butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
Parmesan Cheese
A salty, nutty kick that melts beautifully into the sauce and crisps up when broiled.
Heavy Cream
Makes the sauce extra velvety and indulgent.
Pasta
Choose pasta that holds sauce well—rigatoni, penne, or even spaghetti if you love twirling.
Olive Oil
Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without burning the butter.
Italian Seasoning
A mix of herbs that adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning and balancing all the creamy, buttery flavors.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, but reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return chicken to the skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional)
Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle more Parmesan on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This pasta is best served fresh, straight from the skillet or oven, when the sauce is creamy, and the Parmesan is perfectly melted. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
For storing, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its silky texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Fresh Garden Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Garlic Bread
Perfect for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy and cheesy, these potatoes add extra comfort to your meal.
Steamed Broccoli
A healthy side that complements the creamy pasta.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Double up on the pasta love with another creamy favorite.
Italian Sausage Soup
A warm, hearty soup pairs beautifully with this dish.
Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
A cool, tangy side that cuts through the richness of the pasta.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comfort food favorites:
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan – another buttery garlic delight.
• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – for those who love a veggie-packed twist.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – rich and savory with a hint of spice.
• Pepper Parmesan Chicken Penne – a creamy pasta with a peppery kick.
• One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta – smoky, cheesy, and full of bold flavor.
Save This Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Planning your next pasta night? Save this recipe—you’ll want to keep it handy for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and quick.
Tried this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta? Share your thoughts! Did you stick with the classic version, or add your own twist, maybe extra veggies or a sprinkle of chili flakes? Leave your comments below and let’s talk pasta!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Oven-safe baking dish (optional)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 12 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta, and stir in Parmesan until creamy. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- (Optional) Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil.