If you are craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender, flavorful chicken cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly coated pasta enveloped in a rich Parmesan cream. This combination offers a beautiful harmony of creamy, savory, and fresh tastes that will quickly become a favorite weeknight dinner or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how simple yet impactful each ingredient is. Every element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, skinless, bite-sized): Choose your preference for tenderness and flavor; bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly.
- Garlic (freshly minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.
- Olive Oil: Works with butter to prevent burning and gives a subtle fruity undertone.
- Heavy Cream: The key to achieving the luxurious, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Freshly grated is essential for that sharp, nutty flavor and smooth melting consistency.
- Pasta (Linguine or Fettuccine): Wide, flat noodles hold the sauce beautifully, giving each bite full coverage.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring all flavors into balance.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that elevates the chicken with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh green color and a subtle herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Begin by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step builds a flavorful base. Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and start to bubble. Add the chicken pieces carefully, cooking them until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a beautiful sear without burning, locking in moisture and flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce, as this lets the flavors rest and intensify.
Step 2: Create the Aromatic Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and toss in the freshly minced garlic. Sauté gently until the garlicky fragrance fills your kitchen but be cautious not to brown it too much, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring as you go. Then gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully and infuse the sauce with its signature savory richness. This creamy garlic butter base is what ties the entire dish together, making every bite indulgently satisfying.
Step 3: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is magic when it comes to adjusting the sauce’s consistency, helping it cling beautifully to each noodle without being too thick or watery. Drain the pasta and keep it ready for the final step.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Return to your skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss in the freshly cooked pasta. Stir well, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve that perfect creamy texture that coats every strand. Next, fold in the golden sautéed chicken, allowing everything to mingle and harmonize. The chicken adds a delicious protein element, while the creamy sauce wraps around the pasta for a comforting, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and More Parmesan
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness and vibrant green color. Add an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent, enhancing both presentation and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and warm flavors at their absolute best.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, lending a touch of color and subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top adds a delightful salty finish and a lovely visual contrast. For a bit of zing, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders if you like a gentle heat.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements it beautifully. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add texture and balance the indulgence with freshness. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate your pasta artfully by twirling it into neat nests on the plate, then lay the sautéed chicken pieces on top. Scatter parsley and Parmesan around for a restaurant-style touch. Serving the dish in individual shallow bowls helps showcase the sauce while keeping it cozy and inviting. For a fun twist, top with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add unexpected layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s best to enjoy leftovers within this time frame to keep the flavors fresh and avoid any separation of the sauce.
Freezing
This recipe freezes decently but note that cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze it, separate the pasta and chicken from the sauce before freezing to maintain a better texture. Freeze each component in airtight containers for up to two months, then reheat gently as described.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta and chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven heating and separate the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
While Parmesan cheese is essential for its sharp, nutty flavor and melting properties, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick, but avoid cheeses that do not melt well, as they won’t create the creamy texture desired.
What pasta can I substitute if I don’t have linguine or fettuccine?
Feel free to use any pasta shape you love, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be mindful that wider noodles like fettuccine hold sauce more effectively, which contributes to the experience of this dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can adapt the recipe with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese, but the flavor and texture will differ from the original. Keep in mind that butter can be swapped for plant-based margarine or oils.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne during the sauce-making step to bring up the heat level as desired.
Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and cut the chicken and grate the Parmesan the day before. Cooking the pasta fresh is best, but you can boil it ahead and reheat gently with sauce when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It brings together simple ingredients into a dish that feels truly special without complicated techniques. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll delight in the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta that come together to create a meal that’s both cozy and impressive. Trust me, it’s a winner for every pasta lover!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breast pieces are seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, then combined with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and al dente linguine or fettuccine pasta. Finished with fresh parsley for a subtle herbal note, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier texture.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick if desired.
