Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta That Wows in 30 Mins

There are nights when your cravings scream for something luxurious, yet your schedule demands something practical. That’s exactly where this creamy garlic butter chicken and pasta steps in to save your dinner dilemma.

I’m Chef Andrew, and I’ve spent over two decades in professional kitchens, refining the art of turning everyday ingredients into five-star flavor. This isn’t just another chicken and pasta recipe. It’s a restaurant-quality experience created for your home kitchen, designed to satisfy without stress.

You won’t be juggling three pans or prepping for hours. This is a one-pot wonder. Picture this: juicy garlic butter chicken bites seared to golden perfection, enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and swirled together with pasta that soaks in every drop of flavor. It’s a weeknight hero with weekend-level richness.

Most recipes cook the chicken and pasta separately, then smother everything in sauce. But here, we cook it all together. That means fewer dishes, richer flavor, and a creamy consistency that clings lovingly to every bite.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta without the sauce breaking or the chicken turning rubbery, you’re about to learn the secret. This is your ultimate solution for an elegant, comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Let’s turn your kitchen into the best table in town.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta That Wows in 30 Mins

Chef Andrew

This creamy garlic butter chicken and pasta is the ultimate one-pot dinner hero—loaded with juicy seared chicken, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and tender pasta cooked together for maximum flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 640 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Pot
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Bites

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 4 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta any type; penne, bowtie or spaghetti

To Garnish

• fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes in a single layer, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
• In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
• Lower the heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir and simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats a spoon.
• Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
• Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Let it heat through for 1 minute.
• Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid grainy texture. Don’t overcook the chicken. Add cheese off heat for a silky sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Keyword Chicken bites recipe, Creamy chicken and pasta, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, One pot chicken pasta

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

• Cooks in One Pot: Save time on cleanup with this all-in-one method where chicken, pasta, and sauce unite in a single pan.
• Juicy Chicken Bites: Each piece is perfectly seared for that golden crust and tender center.
• Silky Parmesan Cream Sauce: Rich, velvety, and infused with fresh garlic and real butter.
• 30-Minute Dinner: Fast enough for busy weeknights but indulgent enough for guests.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No obscure items—just real, flavorful pantry staples.
• Customizable Comfort: Swap in your favorite pasta or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

What sets this version apart is its technique. Rather than assembling components separately, this recipe lets the pasta cook directly in the cream sauce. That’s the game-changer. The pasta absorbs the garlicky, buttery essence as it simmers, creating a cohesive, deeply flavored dish with every forkful.

It’s not just convenient—it’s crave-worthy. Whether you’re trying to impress a dinner guest or just need to get food on the table fast, this dish delivers creamy comfort with a chef’s touch. It brings restaurant-style richness to your weeknight rotation without overwhelming your schedule or your sink.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

To create this rich, satisfying dish, you’ll need a handful of quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

For the Chicken Bites

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  (Ensure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  (For searing the chicken to a golden finish)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  (Adds gentle warmth and color)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  (For seasoning the chicken perfectly on all sides)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  (Use quality butter—it’s the foundation of your flavor)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  (Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic base)
• 1 cup heavy cream
  (Creates a luxuriously creamy texture)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  (Avoid pre-shredded for best melting and taste)

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta
  (Short pasta like penne or farfalle works great, but spaghetti or fettuccine is also excellent)

To Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  (Adds color and freshness just before serving)

With these essentials in place, you’re just minutes away from one of the most comforting, flavor-packed pasta dishes you’ll ever make.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly creamy and flavorful one-pot meal. Make sure to prep all your ingredients before you begin, as this recipe comes together quickly.

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.
2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
   Lower the heat slightly. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. This step deepens the flavor and infuses the butter with garlic.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, scraping any brown bits off the bottom. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Bring It All Together
   Return the chicken bites to the pan. Toss gently to distribute them evenly throughout the pasta and sauce. Let everything warm together for another minute.
7. Finish and Serve
   Transfer to plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Tip: If reheating, do so gently over low heat and add a touch of cream or milk to loosen the sauce without breaking it.

Serving and Storage Tips of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation, serve your creamy garlic butter chicken and pasta in a shallow bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Add a few shavings of Parmesan on top for extra flair. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired experience.

For a touch of heat, offer crushed red pepper flakes on the side. You can also garnish with lemon zest for a fresh, zippy contrast to the rich sauce.

Storage Instructions
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture, then stir gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate or become greasy. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts with frequent stirring and a touch of added liquid.

Helpful Notes for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

• Use Fresh Parmesan
  Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a silky, lump-free sauce.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente
  Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing more flavor and helping the sauce cling better.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
  When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents that beautiful golden crust.
• Heavy Cream Is Key
  Don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half unless you’re comfortable adjusting the technique. Heavy cream ensures the sauce won’t break under heat.
• Rest the Chicken Before Re-adding
  Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before stirring it back into the sauce. This helps retain its juices and prevents it from drying out.
• Add-ins for Variety
  Stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and depth. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan if adding extras.
• Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water
  Always save some pasta water. It’s starchy and perfect for loosening the sauce without thinning its flavor.

Conclusion of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

When you crave something indulgent yet need it on the table fast, this creamy garlic butter chicken and pasta checks every box. It’s not just about rich flavors—it’s about how everything comes together in one pan to make your dinner routine smoother, tastier, and more satisfying.

The golden-seared chicken bites bring juicy texture and depth. The Parmesan cream sauce is velvety, garlicky, and perfectly coats each strand or bite of pasta. The fact that the pasta finishes cooking directly in the sauce is a chef’s trick that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly memorable.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort food into your home kitchen without the fuss. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. Best of all, you won’t have a sink full of dishes when you’re done. Just one pot and a lot of flavor.

If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment and give it a star rating below—your feedback helps others find and fall in love with this dish too.

Planning to make it again or want to share your creation? Snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest or Facebook. It means the world to see your version of this creamy comfort classic.

What’s your favorite pasta shape to pair with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce? Let us know in the comments below. You might inspire someone else’s next dinner masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)