Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Picture tender chicken bites cooked in fragrant garlic butter, tossed with al dente pasta, and smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special yet easy to prepare.

I stumbled upon this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe during a spontaneous family gathering, and it was an instant hit. As the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filled the air, empty plates and satisfied smiles told me that this dish was a keeper. Even the little ones can get involved by helping with grating the cheese, making it a fun and interactive cooking experience for all.

Whether you stick to the classic chicken version or opt for shrimp or turkey, this pasta dish is versatile and sure to please. With a few simple swaps and tweaks, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your loved ones around the table, serve up a steaming plate of this creamy delight, and savor each mouthful of this Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta – a dish that turns any ordinary meal into a special occasion.

Quick Benefits

• Maximum comfort with minimal fuss for busy weeknights
• Velvety parmesan sauce creates a family favorite dish
• Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or turkey and various pasta shapes
• Creamy garlic butter sauce brings a taste of cozy trattoria dining to your table

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe provides maximum comfort with minimal fuss, making it a go-to dish when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: The combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, and velvety Parmesan sauce creates a dish that the whole family will love. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp or turkey, and trying different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. You can also make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat with a splash of cream or milk for a silky sauce, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Restaurant-Worthy: The creamy Parmesan sauce with extra garlic brings a bold and rich flavor that tastes like something you would order at a cozy trattoria. It elevates a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Warm and Comforting: The garlic butter chicken Parmesan pasta is the perfect comfort food that can turn any ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. Paired with warm crusty bread or lemony roasted broccoli, it’s a satisfying and heartwarming meal.
• Italian-Inspired: With its roots in rustic Italian home cooking, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that offers maximum satisfaction. The fresh basil adds a touch of brightness, enhancing the flavors of the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Poultry

• 450 g chicken breast, cut into 2 cm cubes

Pasta

• 225 g penne or rotini pasta

Dairy

• 240 ml heavy cream
• 100 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 60 g unsalted butter

Aromatics

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Pro tips for making Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Penne or rotini pasta are great choices for holding creamy sauces, but feel free to experiment with fettuccine or rigatoni for a different texture. For the best flavor and creaminess, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow the pieces to brown evenly and develop a nice flavor.

To lighten up the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy. While fresh basil adds a lovely brightness to the dish, parsley or chives can also provide a tasty herbal lift if that’s what you have on hand. Consider serving this pasta dish on its own for a satisfying meal, or pair it with lemony roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans for a fresh contrast. Lastly, remember that the pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated with a splash of cream or milk over low heat for a silky sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the creamy sauce

Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Simmer on low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Combine and garnish

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Mix well to coat and heat through. Serve promptly, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk in a pan over low heat to ensure the sauce becomes silky again. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as cream sauces can become grainy upon thawing.

For variations, you can switch the chicken with shrimp or diced turkey, and try different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Additionally, swapping basil for parsley can provide a fresh herbal flavor to the pasta. Serve this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta on its own for a rich meal or pair it with sides like lemony roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans for a well-rounded meal experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a seafood version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or diced turkey for a different protein option. Fusilli or farfalle pasta can be used instead of penne or rotini if you prefer a different shape that holds creamy sauces well. To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, keeping in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

For a vegetarian twist, you can omit the chicken altogether and add in extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes. To make the dish more budget-friendly, you can use a combination of Parmesan and another cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. If you don’t have fresh basil, parsley or chives can be used as a substitute for a different herbaceous flavor profile. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly when making ingredient substitutions to ensure the dish is well-balanced and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Transform the classic Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta into an elegant dinner party dish by serving it in individual mini cast-iron skillets. Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress your guests.

For a cozy family dinner, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta in a large, shallow serving bowl. Garnish generously with torn fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper for a rustic and inviting touch. Pair the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to round out the meal.

FAQs for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese instead of grating it fresh?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and creamy melting. Pre-grated varieties may contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.

How should I cook the chicken to ensure it browns nicely?

When cooking the chicken in hot butter, make sure not to crowd the pan. Allow the chicken pieces to brown undisturbed before turning them to ensure a nice golden color and flavorful crust.

Can I freeze the garlic butter chicken parmesan pasta for later consumption?

Freezing is not recommended for this dish as cream sauces can turn grainy upon thawing. However, you can store the pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days and reheat it with a splash of cream or milk in a pan over low heat to regain its silky texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a recipe that never fails to impress and delight. Whether you are cooking for a last-minute gathering or simply craving a comforting meal on a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to be a hit with your loved ones. The creamy parmesan sauce, infused with garlic and butter, perfectly coats the tender chicken and pasta for a truly decadent experience.

Remember, you can always customize this recipe to suit your preferences by swapping protein or pasta shapes, adjusting the creaminess of the sauce, or experimenting with different herbs. The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its versatility and ability to bring a touch of Italian charm to your dinner table. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delightful pasta dish and savor each bite like a true gourmet. Your taste buds will thank you!