The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Are you on the hunt for a meal that is swift enough for a midweek rush but feels decadent enough for a weekend treat? A dish that gathers the whole family around the table, poised and ready to tuck in? We certainly understand that quest. It’s the search for the quintessential comfort food that is both effortless to prepare and utterly delicious.

Well, your search is over. We are here to walk you through making the most divine Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta you have ever had. This recipe marries succulent, tender chicken with a sumptuously rich and velvety garlic butter and parmesan sauce, all lovingly tossed with your pasta of choice. It delivers a restaurant-worthy experience that you can proudly create in your own kitchen in well under an hour. Right then, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Pasta Recipe

Before we get to the method, let’s explore precisely why this particular recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. We are firm believers that fantastic food ought to be straightforward, and this dish meets every criterion.

• Speedy and Straightforward: From the first chop to the final garnish, you can have this magnificent meal ready to serve in less than an hour, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings.
• A Hit with Everyone: The classic trio of garlic, butter, and cheese, paired with chicken, is a flavour combination that almost everyone loves. It’s a dependable option for fussy eaters and a delightful dish for more adventurous foodies.
• Made with Pantry Staples: There is no need for a special trip to a gourmet food shop for this recipe. You will likely find most, if not all, of the ingredients waiting for you in your cupboard or refrigerator.
• Wonderfully Adaptable: We will guide you through our classic version, but we will also provide our best tips for customising it with extra vegetables or a touch of spice. Think of this not just as a recipe, but as a canvas for your culinary imagination.

The Essential Ingredients for Your Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

The true beauty of this dish is rooted in its use of high-quality, uncomplicated ingredients. When each ingredient is allowed to shine, the final dish becomes truly spectacular. Below is a list of everything you’ll want to have prepared and ready before you begin.

For the Chicken:

• Two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 600g), sliced horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 350g of your favourite pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work beautifully)
• 120g unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 500ml double cream
• 120g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, with a little extra set aside for serving
• A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Reserved pasta water (about 250ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Pasta Perfection

Are you ready to make a little kitchen magic? Just follow our straightforward steps for a truly flawless, easy chicken pasta dinner. We have separated the process into simple stages to ensure you can cook with absolute confidence.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by drying the chicken cutlets with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful seasoning blend.. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of each chicken cutlet. Put them to one side.

2. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Tip your pasta and cook it following the packet instructions until it reaches ‘al dente’—retaining a slight bite. For an in-depth tutorial on this, the team at BBC Good Food explain the process perfectly. Just before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside about a mugful (250ml) of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta and leave it aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Gently lay the seasoned chicken cutlets in the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it (you may need to cook them in two batches). Fry for 4–6 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden-brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same frying pan, add the unsalted butter. As soon as it melts, stir in the minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until wonderfully fragrant, but be very careful that the garlic does not catch and burn.

5. Make It Creamy: Add the double cream to the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens noticeably.. Turn the heat right down to low and gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is lusciously smooth.

6. Combine Everything: Tip the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing it thoroughly to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the sliced chicken to the pan. Give it all a final toss to mix everything together and let the chicken warm through.

7. Serve and Garnish: Plate up the Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta straight away. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan for added flavour and a touch of freshness. Enjoy every bite!

Top Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Would you like to elevate your dish from simply great to truly outstanding? We have compiled our most valued professional tips and tricks to help you achieve success with every attempt.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

The secret to a perfect parmesan chicken recipe is beautifully tender, succulent meat. Slicing chicken breasts into thinner cutlets allows for faster and more even cooking, ensuring juicy and tender results every time. If you own a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Allowing the chicken to rest before you slice it is vital, as this helps the juices to settle, keeping it wonderfully moist.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

We really cannot overstate this point! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives, which can hinder its ability to melt smoothly, resulting in a grainy or uneven sauce. For a far creamier and more flavourful result, we always recommend buying a block of Parmesan and grating it yourself just before you need it.

Save Your Pasta Water!

The cloudy liquid that remains after you boil pasta is pure gold. It contains starches that act as a natural emulsifier, helping to bind the fats from the butter and cream to the liquid. This method creates a smooth, non-greasy sauce that adheres well to every strand of pasta. We advise saving more than you anticipate needing, just in case.

Customise Your Dish

Please feel empowered to make this recipe your own! It serves as a brilliant foundation for your own additions. Why not try wilting in a couple of large handfuls of fresh spinach towards the end? Or perhaps sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for a lovely earthy note. For those who enjoy more heat, a few more red pepper flakes will certainly do the job. You can even turn this into a one-pan chicken pasta by using a single, large oven-safe pan for all the steps.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

While this rich and creamy pasta dish is certainly the main attraction, a few well-chosen accompaniments can truly round off the meal. We suggest serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the richness. Crusty garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Following such a hearty main course, you might want a dessert that is simple yet satisfying. Our classic Banana Bread is a perennial favourite, or for something doubly indulgent, we highly recommend our decadent Banana Bread Brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To assist you in the cooking process, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about preparing this dish.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a fantastic substitute. They contain a little more fat, which makes them more forgiving and helps them stay exceptionally juicy. Do keep in mind that they might require a couple of extra minutes of cooking time to be cooked through.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep them fresh.For reheating, we find the best method is to gently warm the pasta in a pan over a low heat with a small splash of milk or cream. This helps to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. However, reheating in the microwave may cause the chicken to become tough and the sauce to separate.

Can I prepare this dish to be gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is very simple to adapt. Just substitute the pasta with your preferred brand of gluten-free pasta and double-check that your other ingredients, such as spice mixes, are certified as gluten-free.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

This is a common issue with a very simple solution! If your sauce becomes too thick, just stir in a little of your reserved pasta water until it loosens to a consistency you are happy with. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce, or add a little extra grated Parmesan, which will help it to thicken up.

Is this a good weeknight dinner idea?

This is arguably the ultimate weeknight dinner idea! It is quick to make, relies on common ingredients, and offers an incredible depth of flavour and comfort. It has all the qualities of a special meal but is perfectly manageable for a busy evening.

Your New Favourite Pasta Dish Awaits

And there you have it—your complete guide to creating a truly unforgettable Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Pasta. This is a meal that demonstrates that you don’t require complex methods or rare ingredients to make something spectacular. It’s a wonderful celebration of comfort, flavour, and the simple pleasure of sharing delicious food.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather your ingredients, pop on an apron, and prepare to delight both yourself and your guests. We are confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen! We would love to hear how it turned out for you—please leave a comment below with your feedback or any questions. Happy cooking!