Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish: pasta tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce and served with seared, juicy chicken breasts.
This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like date nights or Mother’s Day.
For a garlicky, buttery pasta cooked to the right texture, try this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. Both the pasta and the chicken are packed with flavor. Serve it with sautéed or steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Table of Contents
- Butter Garlic Pasta With Chicken
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Variations
- Expert Tips For Garlic Butter Pasta
- Storage
- Recipe FAQs
- Vegetable Side Dishes For Pairing
- More Pasta Dishes
- Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Butter Garlic Pasta With Chicken
One of the simplest ways to elevate pasta is to cook it al dente, drain it, and toss it in a buttery garlic sauce. Add thinly sliced or butterflied chicken breasts for protein. The result is unexpectedly delicious and reliably satisfying.
This dish appeals to all ages — kids and adults alike. It’s a dependable family favorite that’s easy to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you want a quick, flavorful pasta dinner, this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta delivers. Key reasons to love it:
- Easy: Minimal effort and about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Bold flavor: Toasted garlic in butter, cracked black pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan create a rich, well-balanced sauce.
- Flexible: Use your favorite pasta, swap in other proteins, or turn it low-carb by using zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make this dish easy to prepare. Key items include:
- Chicken: Thinly sliced or butterflied chicken breasts; boneless skinless thighs also work.
- Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or any variety you prefer.
- Butter: Use a good-quality butter for best flavor.
For exact ingredient amounts, see the recipe card below.
How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Make this dish in four straightforward steps:
- Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente (about one minute less than package instructions). Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the chicken: Season thinly sliced breasts and pan-sear in olive oil over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes briefly, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4. Toss to finish: Add the cooked pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water as needed, and the Parmesan. Toss until the sauce coats the noodles. Slice the chicken and serve over the pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Tip: To achieve al dente pasta, cook for about one minute less than the package recommends. Taste before draining — it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a polished presentation. This recipe pairs well with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a simple salad.
Variations
Ideas to customize this dish:
- Swap the protein: Try pan-seared shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken.
- Chicken bites: Cut chicken into cubes before cooking to make bite-sized pieces.
- Different pasta shapes: Penne, bow ties, or angel hair all work.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Add herbs or seasonings: Italian seasoning, basil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish.
Expert Tips For Garlic Butter Pasta
- Cook pasta in plenty of salted water so it has room to move.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Saute garlic on medium or medium-low heat and watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Use tongs to toss pasta with the sauce for even coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
If you prefer a one-pot option, consider a creamy one-pot chicken pasta for an easy cleanup meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
No—don’t rinse. Draining is enough; the pasta’s surface helps the sauce adhere.
Pasta pairs nicely with salads, sautéed or steamed vegetables, bread, or additional proteins like chicken, fish, or steak.
Vegetable Side Dishes For Pairing
Suggested vegetable sides to serve with this pasta:
- Sautéed mixed vegetables
- Pan-fried Brussels sprouts
- Italian chopped salad
- Simple lettuce salad
- Corn and avocado salad
More Pasta Dishes
If you enjoy this recipe, try other easy pasta dishes like steak and pasta, lemon garlic butter pasta, or a mushroom pasta for variety.
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating. Your feedback helps others find the recipe — thank you!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts, halved)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Garlic Butter Sauce
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Chicken
- Bring chicken to room temperature for even cooking. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, bouillon, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent to keep warm.
Garlic Butter Pasta
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add black pepper and half the reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Stir in Parmesan and more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Slice the chicken and serve on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
2. Omit crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat.
3. Feel free to add herbs or seasoning blends to suit your taste.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 59 g |
Protein: 30 g |
Fat: 23 g