What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a homemade dish like savory garlic butter chicken with parmesan cream pasta, made quick and easy with just a few key ingredients like tender chicken and rich parmesan. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite, try it soon and enjoy!

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cream Pasta

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, the savory flavor of chicken, and the creaminess of parmesan sauce, all perfectly balanced and served over a bed of tender pasta. This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cream Pasta is not only a mouthful to say, but it’s also a culinary masterpiece that will leave you and your family wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With everyday ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic butter, chicken, and parmesan cream sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: This dish is a breeze to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps and minimal cooking time. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and creamy texture. The garlic butter and parmesan cream sauce add a luxurious touch that will make it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The key to this dish is in the combination of ingredients, which include chicken breasts, garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but we recommend using a long, thin shape like fettuccine or linguine to hold onto the creamy sauce. For the chicken, you can use either boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. The garlic butter is made with a combination of softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Finally, the parmesan cream sauce is made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed, such as using gluten-free pasta or swapping out the parmesan for another type of cheese.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic and parsley, and slice the chicken into thin strips. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the parmesan cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and parmesan cheese.

Handy Tips

To avoid a sticky mess, make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then reserve some of the pasta water before draining. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta without becoming too sticky.
If you’re using a different type of cheese, be sure to adjust the amount of cream accordingly. Some cheeses, like parmesan, are quite salty, so you may want to reduce the amount of cream to avoid an overly salty sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken! It should be cooked through but still juicy and tender. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken and sauce, it’s essential to control the heat to avoid burning or overcooking. Medium heat is ideal for cooking the garlic and chicken, while low heat is better for simmering the sauce. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted garlic and the crispy parsley garnish. To achieve a nice crunch, be sure to cook the garlic until it’s lightly browned and fragrant, then sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top of the dish before serving. You can also add some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients: While it may be tempting to use cheaper alternatives, high-quality ingredients like fresh parsley and real parmesan cheese make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don’t overcomplicate things: This dish is all about simplicity, so avoid adding too many extra ingredients or complicated steps. Stick to the basics and let the flavors shine through.
Clean as you go: To avoid a messy kitchen, clean up as you go, washing utensils and pans as soon as you’re finished using them. This will make the cooking process much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Storage Tips

Leftover storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Reheating tips: When reheating, be sure to stir frequently to avoid lumps or a sticky sauce. You can also add a bit of grated parmesan cheese to revive the flavors.
Shelf life: This dish is best consumed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, be sure to label and date the container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative jar or container with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves on top. You could also add a bag of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Wrap the container in a colorful ribbon or twine, and add a gift tag with the recipe and cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding some dried basil or oregano to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist, or some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Creative toppings: Add some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the top of the dish for added flavor and texture.
Ingredient swaps: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood version, or use different types of cheese like goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of cream or pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it over low heat until it thickens.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, try substituting it with something similar. For example, you could use grated cheddar cheese instead of parmesan, or chopped onion instead of garlic.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the chicken and pasta to avoid overcooking. If the chicken is cooked through but still juicy, it’s done. If the pasta is al dente, it’s ready to go.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat.
Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of pasta used, this dish can be gluten-free. Simply swap out the traditional pasta for a gluten-free alternative, and be sure to check the ingredients of the cheese and cream to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cream Pasta is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or an entertaining expert, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us in your social media posts – we love seeing what you’re cooking up in the kitchen!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta