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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

creamy garlic butter chicken pasta - featured image
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This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared chicken, a silky garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced thinly
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil mix)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 12 ounces dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Extra grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let rest while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in parmesan, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in sauce. Add drained pasta and toss until well combined and pasta is glossy and coated.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over top, plus extra parmesan for serving.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter. Add baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. If sauce thickens after storing, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Freshly grated parmesan yields the creamiest sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, skillet chicken pasta, family meal

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