Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Meal Your Family Will Love

There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic butter simmering on the stove, mingling with the tender notes of roasted chicken and the comforting embrace of pasta. As you stand there, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand or a warm cup of tea, you’re transported back to memories of cherished family dinners, laughter, and stories shared. Today, I want to invite you to step into this sensory experience as we create a dish that will not only satisfy your hunger but also your heart: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.

Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s take a moment to explore why this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a family favorite.

Satisfying Flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that feels like a warm hug.
Quick Prep: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this is a perfect quick dinner option for busy weeknights.
Versatile Meal: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, making it a truly flexible dish.
Comforting Classic: It’s the kind of meal that invites you to gather around the table and enjoy together, creating lasting memories.
Family-Friendly Recipe: Even pickiest eaters will love digging into a bowl of creamy pasta, making it a sure hit for families.

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound of chicken breast, diced (or substitute with turkey for a leaner option)
8 ounces of pasta (like penne or fettuccine; feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (you can try olive oil for a lighter touch)
4 cloves of garlic, minced (or use garlic powder in a pinch)
1 cup of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup of heavy cream (for a touch of luxury; almond milk works for a lighter version)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for a fresh pop of color and taste)

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is perfect for a quick meal, whether you’re coming home from a long day or preparing a special weekend feast.

How to Make It

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a plate of garlicky goodness ready to share.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when you see those lovely golden edges.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a low simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly (about 3–4 minutes).
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in that garlicky, buttery sauce. Melt in the remaining butter and mix well.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving warm. Trust me, your family will come running with that irresistible aroma wafting through the air!

Tips and Variations

Let your creativity shine with these fun twists and variations:

Veggie Boost: Toss in some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a salty kick.
Pasta Magic: Switch up the type of pasta for a delightful change—try whole wheat for a healthier option or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.

Serving Ideas

Imagine this: a beautifully set dining table adorned with flickering candles and laughter of loved ones filling the room. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in elegant bowls, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. This dish shines as a comforting family night dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends, offering warmth and connection.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully! Simply place any uneaten pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the pan and warm over medium heat until heated through. If you’d like to make it ahead of time, prepare the chicken and sauce, and cook the pasta right before serving to keep it fresh.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

Rest Your Dish: Allowing your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta to sit for a few minutes before serving will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente texture, as the pasta will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
Upgrade the Creaminess: For an even creamier finish, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese while making the sauce.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken? Absolutely! Turkey or even chickpeas make lovely substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Can I use another type of pasta? Yes! Any pasta you enjoy will work beautifully, from spaghetti to bowtie pasta.
How can I make this dish lighter? Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use less butter and more broth.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this journey through the creation of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, I hope you feel inspired to step into your kitchen, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the joy that comes from sharing delicious food with those you love. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory feast, this recipe is destined to become a beloved part of your family traditions. So grab those ingredients, put on your favorite cooking playlist, and let’s make some delicious memories together!

Contents

1 Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

A comforting and delicious dish combining garlic, butter, chicken, and pasta, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, diced (or substitute with turkey for a leaner option)
8 ounces pasta (like penne or fettuccine) (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (olive oil can be used for a lighter touch)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or use garlic powder in a pinch)
1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup heavy cream (almond milk works for a lighter version)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped (for a fresh pop of color and taste)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes).
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a low simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in that garlicky, buttery sauce. Melt in the remaining butter and mix well.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving warm.

Notes

For an even creamier finish, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese while making the sauce. Storage: Place any uneaten pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Keyword Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, Pasta Dish, Quick Dinner