Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)


Make this rich and creamy garlic butter chicken pasta in just 30 minutes! Tender grilled chicken, fettuccine noodles, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce come together for the perfect easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Cuisine: Italian-American Course: Dinner

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream (or whipping cream)
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not let it brown). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce and toss gently until every strand is well coated. Place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper if desired.

Recipe Notes:

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the seasoning before cooking.
  • This recipe works well with other long pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti if you don’t have fettuccine.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition (approximate per serving):

Calories: 720 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 52g | Fat: 40g

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, quick weeknight dinner, fettuccine chicken recipe, 30 minute pasta dinner

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