Name: Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This indulgent yet Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken dish features tender chicken sautéed in fragrant garlic butter, tossed with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with rich flavors and easy prep, making it one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes.

Variations

I like to switch up the protein by using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. For a veggie boost, adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach works beautifully. If I want a lighter version, I sometimes substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. You could also swap fettuccine for penne or linguine depending on your pasta preference.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring, as the sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! I often swap fettuccine for penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just cook according to the package instructions and toss it in the sauce the same way.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve tried using dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but still tastes delicious.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta separately and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine everything to enjoy fresh.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should be golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Cutting a piece to check or using a meat thermometer (165°F) helps ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While I don’t recommend freezing this creamy pasta as the sauce may separate, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and reheat it later with freshly made sauce.

Conclusion

I find this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken to be a perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining. The creamy sauce paired with garlicky chicken always feels like a treat, and the quick prep time means I get to enjoy it without a fuss. This recipe has definitely earned a spot in my regular rotation.

Recipe:

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken, delivering a rich and comforting meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.