Short Description
Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender, garlic-infused chicken bites with a creamy Parmesan sauce, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe brings together the richness of butter, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the warmth of garlic to create a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich and savory taste.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins or added vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both adults and children will enjoy.
Restaurant Quality: Offers a gourmet experience in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning until golden brown and cooked through.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this creamy, garlic-infused dish warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Pasta Choice: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like spices and Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply add it to the sauce to warm through before combining with the pasta.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are excellent choices, but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides a richer sauce, you can use whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce may be thinner, so consider adding a thickening agent like a roux.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure that the heat is not too high when adding the cream, and stir continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Store the sauce and pasta separately for best results.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces as they can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish well, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce to increase the heat level.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, adding a splash of white wine before the cream can enhance the flavor. Allow it to reduce slightly before adding the cream.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
This Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan linguine, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz linguine or fettuccine
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken, toss to coat, then remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. -
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix to combine. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
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For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Substitute linguine with your favorite pasta shape, such as penne or spaghetti.
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To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
