Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces linguine pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Golden seared chicken bites in garlic butter sauce on creamy parmesan pasta garnished with fresh parsley | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this garlic butter chicken pasta at a small Italian-American bistro during a weekend getaway. The moment I tasted those perfectly seared chicken pieces bathed in garlicky butter over the creamiest pasta I'd ever had, I knew I had to recreate it at home. After several attempts, I finally perfected the balance of flavors and textures. The key, I discovered, is to sear the chicken pieces just right so they develop that gorgeous golden crust while staying juicy inside. And the pasta sauce must be made with both heavy cream and good chicken broth for depth of flavor. When I serve this dish to friends, they always assume it took hours to prepare, which makes me smile knowing it's actually simple enough for a weeknight meal. The way the sauce coats each strand of pasta creates the most satisfying dining experience.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this garlic butter chicken pasta because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and silky pasta creates such a satisfying texture contrast in every bite. What really makes me return to this recipe again and again is the sauce - it's indulgent without being overwhelming, with the garlic and Parmesan creating perfect harmony. I love how versatile it is too; I can dress it up for company or make it on a busy Monday. The ingredients are simple pantry staples I usually have on hand, which means I can satisfy my craving without a special shopping trip. Perhaps what I love most is how it brings everyone to the table eagerly - there's something about the aroma of garlic butter that creates instant happiness. It's become my ultimate comfort food that still feels a little luxurious, like a warm hug in a bowl.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Chicken breast: cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking
Butter: divided for searing chicken and creating sauce base
Garlic: freshly minced for maximum flavor
Linguine pasta: cooked al dente to hold the creamy sauce
Heavy cream: creates the rich base for the sauce
Chicken broth: adds depth of flavor to the sauce
Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for the smoothest sauce texture

Let's Make These Together

Prep the ingredients: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with spices. Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley. Having everything ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining - this starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency later if needed.
Sear the chicken: Cook chicken pieces in butter until golden brown on all sides. The key is not to overcrowd the pan - work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets that beautiful caramelization.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add broth and cream. Let it reduce slightly before stirring in the Parmesan cheese. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.
Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, then fold in the chicken pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the sauce is still perfectly creamy.

Recipe picture — Decadent garlic butter glazed chicken pieces nestled on velvety smooth pasta with savory parmesan sauce | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

One evening when I was craving comfort food but short on time, I experimented with combining my garlic butter chicken recipe with a quick creamy pasta. I discovered that using some of the chicken cooking juices in the pasta sauce created an incredible depth of flavor. Sometimes I'll add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for variation. My family now requests this dish at least once a week! I've found that freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in getting that perfectly smooth, silky sauce texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it. If you're looking for a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or broccolini with a touch of lemon makes an excellent accompaniment. For a complete meal, serve with warm garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Tender juicy chicken chunks with caramelized edges atop silky parmesan linguine in rich cream sauce | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier chicken bites. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?: To make a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use less butter, and incorporate more chicken broth. The sauce won't be quite as rich but will still be delicious. You could also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?: While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and refrigerate, then make the pasta and sauce just before serving. The fully assembled dish tends to thicken significantly when stored, though it can be reheated with a splash of milk or broth.
→ What can I add to make this dish more colorful?: Great options include halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or peas. Add hearty vegetables when making the sauce, and more delicate ones like spinach just before serving.
→ Is there a non-dairy alternative for this recipe?: While challenging to replicate exactly, you can make a dairy-free version using olive oil instead of butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.
→ How spicy is this dish?: The recipe as written is very mild. The red pepper flakes are optional and add just a hint of heat. If you enjoy spicier food, you can double the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines tender chicken bites with a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The golden-brown caramelized chicken adds a delightful texture contrast to the silky pasta. It's a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly for busy weeknights, yet feels special enough for weekend entertaining. The garlicky butter sauce infuses both the chicken and pasta with incredible flavor, while the fresh parsley brightens up the dish with color and freshness.