This Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those recipes I lean on when I want dinner to feel comforting but still come together fast. It is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough for a weeknight. Tender chicken bites cooked in garlic butter and served over creamy Parmesan pasta is my idea of a meal that makes everyone happy at the table.
I love this recipe because it feels special without requiring a long ingredient list or a sink full of dishes. In just 30 minutes, you have a dinner that tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This garlic butter chicken checks all the right boxes.
- It is quick and filling.
- The ingredients are easy to find.
- The sauce is rich and comforting.
- It works for family dinners or casual guests.
I usually make this when I want something cozy but do not want to spend all night cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add butter. Once melted, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make The Garlic Butter Chicken
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make The Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook briefly.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Toss The Pasta And Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss until well coated.
Serve the pasta topped with garlic butter chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips
- Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Do not overcook the garlic or it can turn bitter.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
If you want extra richness, add a little more butter right before serving.
FAQs
Yes, any pasta you like works well here, including penne or spaghetti.
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or broth.
Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.
📖 Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken, a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken bites sautéed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, this comforting dish is as versatile as it is delicious—ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (4 for the chicken, 2 for the pasta)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a pot, add pasta, cook until tender, drain.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Lower heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Return chicken to coat in sauce.
- Make creamy Parmesan sauce: In another saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sauté remaining 2 cloves garlic briefly before adding heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Combine sauces: Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss pasta: Mix cooked pasta into creamy sauce until well-coated.
- Serve: Plate pasta topped with garlic butter chicken and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Comments
No Comments