Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Meal!

Name: Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Meal!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 30, 2025

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When it comes to quick, satisfying, and indulgent meals, few dishes can compete with Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta. This one-pan wonder delivers perfectly seared chicken bites, coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tossed with tender pasta to create an effortlessly delicious meal.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special meal for guests, or just a quick homemade alternative to restaurant pasta, this recipe checks all the boxes. With bold flavors, minimal prep, and easy cleanup, it’s a go-to dish that guarantees satisfaction.

This guide will take you through why this recipe works so well, expert cooking tips, serving suggestions, popular variations, and frequently asked questions to help you create the perfect skillet garlic butter chicken pasta every time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

1. One-Pan Convenience

Everything in this recipe—the chicken, the sauce, and the pasta—comes together in one skillet. This means less cleanup and maximum flavor, as all the ingredients blend together seamlessly.

2. A Restaurant-Quality Dish Made at Home

The combination of garlic-infused butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs creates a sauce that is luxurious, smooth, and deeply flavorful—the kind you’d expect from a fine Italian restaurant.

3. Perfectly Balanced Texture

The chicken is golden and tender, providing a hearty bite.
The pasta is coated in a creamy, velvety sauce, ensuring every forkful is full of flavor.
Fresh herbs and red pepper flakes (if you like spice) add a final touch of complexity and brightness.

4. Quick and Easy—Done in 30 Minutes

This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. From start to finish, this dish takes just about 30 minutes to prepare.

5. Loved by the Whole Family

Even picky eaters will love this dish. The creamy sauce, the garlicky butter flavor, and the tender chicken make it a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed) – 2 large (juicy and tender)
Salt – 1 teaspoon (enhances flavor)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (adds mild spice)
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon (deepens the garlic taste)
Smoked paprika – ½ teaspoon (adds a smoky depth)
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for searing)
Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons (rich and flavorful base)
Garlic (minced) – 4 cloves (bold and aromatic)

For the Pasta:

Fettuccine or penne pasta – 12 oz (holds the creamy sauce well)
Salt (for boiling water) – 1 tablespoon (enhances pasta flavor)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Heavy cream – 1 cup (for a luxurious texture)
Whole milk – ½ cup (balances the richness)
Grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (creates a cheesy, velvety sauce)
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon (adds depth and herbaceous notes)
Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ teaspoon (for a mild kick)
Salt – ½ teaspoon (enhances the sauce)
Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (adds warmth)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – ¼ cup (adds freshness)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.
Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, and stir until fragrant. Remove chicken from the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Stir in the garlic butter chicken and mix well.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories – 650 kcal
Carbohydrates – 58g
Protein – 42g
Fat – 30g
Saturated Fat – 15g
Sodium – 850mg

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion. Here are some of the best pairings:

1. With Garlic Bread

A side of buttery, toasted garlic bread is the perfect way to soak up every last drop of the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.

2. With a Fresh Green Salad

To balance out the richness of the pasta, serve it with a light salad made with:

Mixed greens
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers
A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing

3. With Roasted Vegetables

Add a pop of color, texture, and nutrients by serving this pasta alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.

4. As a Baked Dish

For a fun twist, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan and mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly.

5. Paired with Wine or Sparkling Water

A crisp white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) complements the creamy, garlicky sauce beautifully.
Lemon-infused sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for the Best Texture

Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. For a luxuriously creamy sauce, always grate your own Parmesan from a block.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the pasta just until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This helps it hold up well in the sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy.

3. Season the Chicken Well

The secret to bold flavor is in the seasoning. A mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika gives the chicken depth and a slightly smoky undertone.

4. Let the Chicken Rest Before Adding to the Sauce

After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before tossing it in the sauce. This helps it retain its juices, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it while keeping it creamy.

6. Add a Kick of Heat

If you like a little spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Popular Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This recipe serves as a great base for different flavors and ingredients. Here are some ways to customize it:

1. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.

2. Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option.
Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.

3. Extra Cheesy Version

Stir in mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan for a gooey, extra-cheesy sauce.

4. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Swap the chicken for shrimp, which pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

5. Herb-Infused Variation

Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant and herby twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

2. Can I Freeze This Dish?

It’s best to freeze the chicken separately and make a fresh batch of sauce when reheating. Creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, so if you do freeze it, stir well after reheating.

3. What’s the Best Pasta to Use?

Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni work best since they hold onto the creamy sauce well. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair, which may become soggy.

4. How Do I Make the Sauce Extra Creamy?

For an ultra-rich sauce, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the mix. It creates a thicker, silkier texture.

5. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken can be used as a time-saving shortcut. Simply stir it into the sauce at the end.

6. What Side Dishes Pair Well with This Recipe?

Some great side dishes include:

Roasted garlic bread
A fresh side salad
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms

Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—it’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless ways to customize it, this dish proves that homemade meals can be just as indulgent as restaurant favorites.

If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, now is the time—grab your skillet, cook up this creamy masterpiece, and enjoy every comforting bite!