Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Ideas

I love cooking up quick and delicious meals, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet has quickly become one of my favorites. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and al dente pasta creates a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is packed with flavor and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this dish always impresses with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:26:37.224Z

Cooking is an adventure that I love to embark on, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet has made its way to my go-to recipe list. The infusion of garlic into the rich butter sauce is a definite highlight, providing a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. I like to toss in some fresh herbs at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

What I’ve found is that the quality of the chicken really matters; using freshly cut chicken breasts allows the butter to soak in beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. I also prefer to use a good quality pasta that holds the sauce well. This little detail makes a significant difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic butter sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Tender chicken cooked to golden perfection.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is crucial in this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. When sautéing the chicken, it’s best to leave enough space in the skillet to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning. For an ideal texture, cook the chicken pieces for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop golden edges. If they stick to the skillet, it’s typically a sign that they aren’t ready to flip yet. Keep an eye on the temperature; medium-high is perfect for a nice sear without overcooking.

Seasoning the chicken before cooking is essential to boost flavor. I like to use a pinch of salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Adding herbs like paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish and complement the garlic butter well. When your chicken is golden brown, don’t forget to let it rest briefly after removing from the skillet; it helps retain juices for a tender bite, which enhances the overall dish.

Creating a Rich Garlic Butter Sauce

The sauce in this recipe is where the magic happens. The combination of melted butter and sautéed garlic forms the base of a rich, creamy sauce. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant; overcooking will cause it to bitter and spoil the flavor. I recommend using fresh garlic for the best aromatic profile, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too—use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute. Adding the chicken broth brings depth, while heavy cream results in a luxurious texture without being overly heavy.

After adding the chicken broth, allow it to simmer gently for a couple of minutes. This step not only removes any stuck bits from the bottom of the skillet but also thickens the sauce slightly. If you find the sauce is too thin for your liking, let it reduce for an additional minute or two. A quick tip: aiming for a glossy consistency ensures the sauce will perfectly cling to the pasta, enhancing each bite with robust flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Now that we have everything ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. You can also mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is an excellent dish for meal prepping. Since it’s packed with protein and carbohydrates, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to prevent sogginess. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore its creaminess.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the chicken and pasta separately. Prepare the sauce fresh on the day you plan to serve. This method keeps the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy, ensuring a delightful texture when served.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce. You can also add a side of garlic bread for extra comfort; just toast slices in olive oil and sprinkle with more minced garlic for good measure.

If you want to mix things up, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or asparagus to the pasta for added nutrition and color. Not only do they enhance the visual appeal, but they also provide a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dish before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Is there a way to make it healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta and leaner cuts of chicken or even substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and just combine it with the pasta and chicken when ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.