Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. This dish combines the irresistible flavors of juicy, tender chicken in a garlic butter sauce with a luxuriously creamy parmesan-infused pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This recipe is a true showstopper that checks all the boxes for a satisfying, crave-worthy dinner. The garlic butter chicken delivers unparalleled flavor, with the butter and garlic creating a rich, velvety coating that seeps into every bite. The creamy parmesan pasta provides the perfect base, with the savory cheese sauce complementing the chicken beautifully. Texturally, the dish offers a wonderful contrast, with the tender chicken and al dente pasta creating a delightful mouthfeel.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests. The hands-on time is minimal, and you can even prepare components in advance for a true time-saving, stress-free cooking experience. Get ready to fall in love with this truly remarkable dish!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz penne or farfalle pasta
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and rich cheese creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta dishes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian pasta dishes which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 810mg
These Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta provide approximately 80% of your daily protein requirements and 50% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🌱 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles in place of the pasta, and serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of roasted vegetables.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Serve the dish with grilled or roasted shrimp, salmon, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta for additional nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the dish with a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing cocktail for an elevated dining experience.
• Complement the pasta with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or roasted garlic knots for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta on a large platter, surrounded by additional garnishes like fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and grated parmesan.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter in a matter of seconds, so be sure to keep a close eye on it and remove the skillet from heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Skimping on the parmesan: The parmesan cheese is a critical component of the creamy sauce, so don’t be afraid to use the full amount called for in the recipe. The cheese adds essential richness and flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of assembling the pasta and chicken, then transfer to a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then portion and wrap individual servings in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. This helps restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is very well-suited for make-ahead preparation. You can cook the chicken and prepare the creamy parmesan sauce in advance, then simply reheat and toss with the cooked pasta when ready to serve. The unbaked casserole can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted to use shrimp, salmon, or even sautéed tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken. The garlic butter sauce and creamy parmesan pasta will complement a variety of proteins.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
There are several ways to adapt this recipe to make it more health-conscious, such as using reduced-fat dairy products, swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, and adding more vegetables. You can also increase the protein by serving the dish with grilled shrimp or roasted tofu.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?
If the sauce seems too thick, gradually whisk in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water or more heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer, stirring frequently, to allow it to thicken up naturally. The key is to keep a close eye on the sauce and adjust as needed.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Some great options include sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, steamed asparagus, or diced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender.
🏁 Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a date night feast, they’re sure to impress with their tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Garlic Butter Chicken and Creamy Parmesan Pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own home!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.
