Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 12 oz fettuccine (or preferred pasta); 6 cloves garlic (4 minced for chicken, 2 for pasta); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for pasta); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil; Chicken broth; Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Warm, garlicky, and indulgently creamy, this Garlic Butter Chicken is a weeknight favorite that feels like a restaurant meal at home. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken brown to a light golden crust, then get tossed in fragrant garlic butter so each forkful carries rich, savory flavor. The sauce is silky from heavy cream and Parmesan, clinging to strands of fettuccine for a satisfying, comforting texture. Aromas of toasted garlic and melted butter fill the kitchen as it cooks, making this ideal for cozy dinners, a casual date night, or feeding a hungry family. If you enjoy handheld versions of garlicky chicken, try our cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a quick twist on these same flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — tender white meat that cooks quickly and soaks up the garlic butter.
12 oz fettuccine (or preferred pasta) — a wide pasta that holds creamy sauce well; swap shapes if you like.
6 cloves garlic (4 minced for chicken, 2 for pasta) — fresh garlic gives the dish bright, aromatic flavor.
4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for pasta) — for browning the chicken and building the garlic butter coating.
1 cup heavy cream — creates a rich, silky sauce that clings to pasta.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive oil — for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.
Chicken broth — used to loosen the sauce and add savory depth.
Italian seasoning — a simple herb blend to season the chicken.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) — a bright finish that adds color and a fresh note.

For a heartier butter-forward variation, consider the flavor profile in our cowboy butter chicken pasta for inspiration.

Step-by-step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until just tender according to package directions. Before draining, reserve a small cup of pasta water then drain and set the pasta aside. Tip: reserving pasta water helps thin the sauce later if needed.
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter.
In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté briefly, then add the heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Tip: if the sauce cools and tightens, reheat gently on low with a splash of broth to loosen it.

For another way to serve garlic chicken in a wrap format, see our deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 1000 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get better browning.
- Use reserved pasta water sparingly to reach a glossy, clingy sauce without thinning it too much.
- Toast the garlic just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Freezing
- You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve texture.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only
- Increase the Italian seasoning for a herbier profile.
- Add more grated Parmesan for greater umami and thickness.
- Use extra chicken broth and a little reserved pasta water to make a lighter, silkier sauce.
- Swap fettuccine for a smaller pasta shape to change the mouthfeel.

For a meatier pasta swap idea using similar garlic butter flavors, check this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta as a guide to pairing buttered meat and pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes, any pasta you prefer will work. Shorter shapes hold sauce differently but are fine.

Q: Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?
A: Yes, pre-grated works, though freshly grated melts more smoothly.

Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
A: Simmer gently and avoid high heat when adding cream and cheese.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: This recipe relies on cream, butter, and Parmesan, so dairy-free substitutions are not included here.

Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
A: Bite-sized pieces are done when they are no longer pink inside and register 165 F if you use a thermometer.

Q: Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
A: You can cook and refrigerate chicken and pasta separately, then finish the sauce and combine before serving.

Conclusion

I hope this Garlic Butter Chicken becomes a regular request at your table. The balance of browned chicken, warm garlic butter, and a creamy Parmesan sauce is simple but deeply satisfying, perfect for evenings when you want comfort without fuss. For another take on a quick garlic butter chicken, you can compare techniques with this version from Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, or try a one pan approach shown at The Girl Who Ate Everything. Give it a try, share a photo if you love it, and enjoy each garlicky, buttery bite.