There’s just something magical about the way garlic and butter come together. Add tender chicken, a swirl of pasta, and you’ve got yourself a meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
This garlic butter chicken pasta is a recipe I come back to every fall when the evenings turn cool and the kids are racing through the house after school. It’s creamy (without cheese!), garlicky, and pan-seared to golden perfection, made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Back when I was a girl, watching my grandmother stir her famous casseroles, I learned that dinner isn’t just about feeding the family, it’s about slowing down, gathering close, and savoring every bite. And that’s exactly what this pasta brings to the table: comfort, simplicity, and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic butter chicken pasta isn’t just a quick meal. It’s a weeknight lifesaver and comfort food hero. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to simple fall dinner recipes:
Minimal prep time. Everything comes together in one skillet with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Family-approved. My kids clean their plates every time. It’s cozy, buttery, and not too spicy for little taste buds.
Budget-friendly and pantry-ready. This is one of those recipes that works with what you already have in your fridge.
Looks beautiful on the table. Golden chicken and glistening garlic pasta? It’s the kind of meal that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You Need for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful garlic butter chicken pasta. Use fresh, colorful ingredients to make this dish as gorgeous as it is delicious.
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced (for juicy, golden bites)
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne all work well)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (for rich garlic flavor)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best for bold flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps get that beautiful sear on the chicken)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds depth to the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for warmth and balance)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, optional (for a touch of heat)
This ingredient list keeps it simple but big on flavor. If you’re looking for premade meal ideas or pasta to go with chicken, this one is a solid weeknight staple.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This garlic butter chicken pasta comes together fast with just one skillet and a few simple steps. It’s one of my favorite chicken over pasta recipes because it’s so hands-off once everything’s simmering.
1. Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Sear the chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear it until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up all those golden bits.
4. Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve warm
Finish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for maximum buttery goodness.
This is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth, just like my grandma’s Sunday meals. If you enjoy creamy pasta meals like this one, don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s always a hit with readers.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This garlic butter chicken pasta is rich, buttery, and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with fresh sides can turn it into a full dinner everyone will love.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette. Perfect for soaking up the leftover garlic butter sauce.
- A crisp green salad. Something with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans. These bright veggies add color and freshness to the plate.
- A glass of chilled white wine. If you’re unwinding after a long day, this pasta pairs beautifully with something dry and citrusy.
Looking for more chicken dinner ideas? Try this Bang Bang Chicken next, it’s bold, creamy, and packed with heat, perfect when you want to switch things up.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Variations
This garlic butter chicken pasta is easy to customize for different tastes or pantry needs. Try these quick twists:
- Pasta swap: Use spaghetti, penne, or rotini. For a lighter take, try chicken spaghetti without cheese.
- Grilled or baked chicken: Leftover grilled chicken adds smoky flavor. Baked chicken with pasta works great too.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for color and texture.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a bold kick.
- Make it a bake: Mix everything in a dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 10 minutes. Instant comfort.
Looking for another easy chicken pasta dish? Don’t miss our creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s always a hit.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Leftovers of this garlic butter chicken pasta keep well and make a perfect premade meal idea for busy days.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
These little tricks make a big difference when making garlic butter chicken pasta at home:
- Sear the chicken without moving it
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes per side to get that golden crust. It locks in flavor and gives your pasta that classic grilled chicken taste. - Use freshly minced garlic
Skip the jarred stuff. Fresh garlic brings bold, buttery depth you won’t get from pre-chopped. - Loosen the sauce with pasta water
A splash of the starchy cooking water helps the garlic butter sauce cling to every strand of pasta, just like in restaurant-style chicken over pasta recipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Even a simple fall dinner recipe like garlic butter chicken pasta can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch for:
- Overcooking the chicken
Dry chicken ruins the texture. Sear until just golden, then slice and finish in the sauce if needed. - Burning the garlic
Garlic cooks fast. Let it turn golden, not brown, or it’ll taste bitter instead of buttery. - Skipping the pasta water
Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water. It brings the sauce together and gives you that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and packed with flavor, this garlic butter chicken pasta is the recipe to save. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights easier and dinner feel special without extra effort.
Whether you’re planning a quiet family meal or meal prepping for the week, this is one chicken over pasta recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
📌 Pin this recipe for later, and be sure to check out our Bang Bang Chicken for something bold and spicy next!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Quick, Cozy & Loaded with Flavor!
A buttery, garlicky pasta dish with juicy chicken slices
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season and sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Stir in sliced chicken. Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Potassium 460mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 47g16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 32g64%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Don’t overcook the garlic: Browned garlic can turn bitter fast. Cook until just fragrant.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan for a richer finish.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of broth to loosen the sauce.
