🎉 Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan—minus the breading—and turned into an easy, cozy pasta dish. Juicy chicken is seared in garlicky butter, simmered in a luscious cream sauce with melty Parmesan, then tossed with tender pasta for a creamy, cheesy, restaurant-quality meal you can make right at home. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you’re craving comfort food!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🍝 Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
🌿 Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter.
Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss to coat evenly with sauce. Adjust seasoning.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
🥄 Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Low Carb: Serve sauce and chicken over zucchini noodles.
- Cheesy Overload: Stir in mozzarella for more gooey goodness.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezer: Not recommended; cream sauces may separate when thawed.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but sauce will be thinner—add 1 tsp flour to help thicken.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
Is chicken breast or thigh better?
Either; thighs stay extra juicy.
Can I skip the chicken?
Yes—make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms or roasted veggies.
Can I add tomatoes?
Yes—cherry or sun-dried tomatoes add a bright pop.
How do I prevent curdling?
Simmer gently; don’t boil cream sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated melts better.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or shells.
Can I double it?
Yes, use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely—just skip red pepper flakes for a milder version.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving cozy comfort food—your family will request it again and again! 🍝🧄🍗
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Rich, Cheesy & Comforting 🍗🧄🧀
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss to coat evenly with sauce. Adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Notes
Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Low Carb: Serve sauce and chicken over zucchini noodles. Cheesy Overload: Stir in mozzarella for more gooey goodness. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezer: Not recommended; cream sauces may separate when thawed. ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but sauce will be thinner—add 1 tsp flour to help thicken. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta. Is chicken breast or thigh better?
Either; thighs stay extra juicy. Can I skip the chicken?
Yes—make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms or roasted veggies. Can I add tomatoes?
Yes—cherry or sun-dried tomatoes add a bright pop. How do I prevent curdling?
Simmer gently; don’t boil cream sauce. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated melts better. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or shells. Can I double it?
Yes, use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely—just skip red pepper flakes for a milder version. 🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving cozy comfort food—your family will request it again and again! 🍝🧄🍗
