This tender garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan noodles is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With juicy, golden chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce coating tender pasta, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce and parmesan cheese create a creamy, indulgent dish.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or add veggies for a personal twist.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Plate the dish and enjoy a warm, comforting meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh basil or rosemary can be used instead of thyme for a flavor variation.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: The chicken can be cooked and frozen separately, but the cream sauce may separate when frozen. Prepare the sauce fresh when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta works well—try fettuccine, penne, or linguine for a twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat everything together when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until just done; overcooking can make it dry.
Can I add more cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Extra parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella will make the dish cheesier.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for heat.
What’s the best way to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate?
Keep the heat on low to medium while making the sauce, and stir constantly as the cheese melts.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor—just double the amount compared to dried herbs.
Conclusion
Tender garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan noodles is a quick, delicious meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and savor the comforting combination of juicy chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and comforting dish with tender garlic butter chicken paired with creamy Parmesan noodles. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, combining juicy chicken and rich pasta for a meal your family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
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