Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender seasoned chicken, buttery garlic, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together in one pan to create a delicious family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich buttery garlic flavor in every bite.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce made with simple ingredients.
- One-pan recipe means less cleanup.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 300 g dried spaghetti
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano until evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the same pan.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and parsley, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the broth.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta topped with extra Parmesan, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips & Tricks
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream to keep it silky smooth.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas for extra vegetables.
- Use fettuccine or linguine if spaghetti isn’t available.
- Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce naturally.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of chicken stock or cream.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rotini all work well.
How do I make it even creamier?
Add a little extra heavy cream or stir in cream cheese before serving.
Is this a one pot chicken pasta recipe?
Yes. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 chicken breasts chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 300 g dried spaghetti
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano until evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the same pan.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and parsley, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the broth.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta topped with extra Parmesan, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is everything you want in an easy comfort meal—creamy, buttery, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and rich garlic flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner recipe or feeding the whole family, this easy chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite. Its one-pan convenience, creamy sauce, and satisfying taste make it a meal you’ll come back to again and again.