This creamy buttery garlic chicken pasta is comfort food at its finest! It features tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible.
I can never resist seconds with this dish, especially when the garlic smell fills the kitchen. These cozy flavors make it a family favorite, and it’s quick enough for a weeknight!
Making this dish is super easy, too. Just cook the chicken, toss in pasta, and mix everything in a delicious sauce. Dinner? Done! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend fettuccine for its wide surface area that holds sauce well, but linguine or penne work too! If you’re gluten-free, you can use rice pasta or chickpea pasta as great substitutes.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give a nice, tender bite. Feel free to switch to thighs for more flavor or use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch! If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove as a rough guide), but fresh really makes a difference.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can ruin your dish! To avoid this, keep a close eye on it while sautéing. Here’s how:
- Remove the skillet from the heat right after adding the garlic to avoid direct heat.
- Cook on medium to low heat and stir regularly.
- It should become fragrant in about 1-2 minutes. If it starts to brown, pull it off the heat immediately!
How Can I Make My Sauce Extra Creamy?
If you want an even creamier sauce, consider these tips:
- Incorporate a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone when adding the heavy cream — it’s extra luxurious!
- Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally, focusing on the right heat to prevent burning.
- Finish off with a touch more Parmesan cheese to enhance creaminess and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Buttery Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20-25 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal but fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned. We want to keep that delicious garlic flavor without burning it!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. After that, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Toss Everything Together:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together until all the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Make sure it looks delicious!
6. Final Touches:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Plate your creamy buttery garlic chicken pasta and enjoy the wonderful flavors that you created! Every bite will be a delight!
Enjoy your creamy buttery garlic chicken pasta! 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great, you can use any pasta shape you enjoy. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even almond or coconut milk. Keep in mind that using non-dairy alternatives may change the flavor slightly, so choose one that you enjoy!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, if needed.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can easily omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version. You could also use chickpeas for added protein!
