This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal — rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Tender, juicy chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and tossed in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that feels like something straight out of a restaurant, but you can make it at home in under 40 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe brings together the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. The result is a silky, indulgent sauce with just the right balance of savory and buttery goodness that pairs perfectly with tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
You’ll love this recipe because it’s creamy, comforting, and quick to make. The garlic butter sauce adds incredible depth of flavor, while the chicken brings satisfying protein to balance the richness. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and works beautifully with any pasta shape.
Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder — meaning minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth creaminess with a touch of garlic and parmesan that’s hard to resist.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re craving something indulgent but easy, this dish checks every box. It’s an upgraded version of Alfredo pasta, with a garlic-forward flavor that’s more balanced and less heavy. The seared chicken adds texture and richness, making it a complete meal on its own.
This recipe is also endlessly flexible — swap the pasta, adjust the creaminess, or toss in veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own. It’s a fail-proof dinner that feels special without the extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This helps create a flavorful crust when searing.
3. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it. The butter and garlic create a rich, aromatic base for the sauce.
5. Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Cheese and Seasonings
Add parmesan cheese, onion powder, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Slice and Return Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet and toss gently in the creamy garlic butter sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
8. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top with extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
10 Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh garlic — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Sear the chicken properly for a golden crust and juicy texture.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, smoother sauce.
- Always grate parmesan fresh — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt properly.
- Don’t let the sauce boil — gentle simmering keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Add a splash of pasta water for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
- For lighter flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Let the sauce sit for a minute before serving to thicken naturally.
- Garnish with parsley or basil to add color and freshness.
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon Garlic Version: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a kick.
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms before the cream.
- Spinach Alfredo: Stir in baby spinach for a green, nutrient-rich version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella for extra gooey texture.
- Tomato Cream Twist: Add ¼ cup tomato sauce for a rosy blush color.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Herb Infusion: Add thyme, oregano, or basil for a more aromatic sauce.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
- Start with a light Caesar or garden salad for balance.
- Add garlic bread or warm breadsticks for dipping in the sauce.
- Serve roasted asparagus or green beans on the side for freshness.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Sprinkle each serving with extra parmesan and freshly ground pepper.
- Offer lemon wedges for guests who prefer a touch of acidity.
- Finish with a simple dessert such as tiramisu or panna cotta.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days.
To Freeze
Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to two months.
To Reheat (From Refrigerator)
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
To Reheat (From Frozen)
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and hot.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs are juicier and just as delicious.
- Can I make it with milk instead of cream? Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, just heat it in the sauce before adding pasta.
- What pasta works best? Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the sauce perfectly.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely — spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli work great.
- Can I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- How do I thicken the sauce? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Can I use pre-grated cheese? Freshly grated melts and tastes better.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure to use a large skillet.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Does it freeze well? Yes, but add cream when reheating for best results.
- Can I bake it? Yes, top with mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes at 375°F.
- Can I add shrimp? Definitely — shrimp pairs beautifully with this sauce.
- Can I add white wine? Yes, deglaze with ¼ cup before adding cream.
- How long does it last in the fridge? Up to four days.
- What wine pairs best? Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Can I use low-fat cream? Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich.
- Can I prepare it ahead? Yes, reheat gently before serving.
- Can I skip the butter? It’s essential for flavor — reduce it slightly if needed.