Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner that tastes like comfort and looks like a dinner out. Tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts seared until golden sit atop a silky, garlicky butter sauce that clings to long strands of spaghetti. Expect rich, savory notes from butter and parmesan, bright garlic aroma, and just enough heat from crushed pepper flakes to keep each bite lively. The texture is a satisfying mix of tender chicken and al dente pasta, finished with a touch of fresh parsley if you like. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings, date nights at home, or when you want a fuss-free crowd pleaser. If you enjoy richer, cheesy pasta dishes, try a bowtie pasta twist like the cheesy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta for a slightly different presentation.

Ingredients

1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts cut horizontally in half): Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender.
¼ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the chicken, adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and background spice to the chicken.
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon: Boosts savory, umami flavor in the chicken seasoning.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor alongside fresh garlic in the sauce.
½ teaspoon paprika: Gives color and a subtle smoky-sweet note.
½ teaspoon thyme: Adds a mild herbal depth that pairs well with chicken.
3 Tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken, helps develop a golden crust.
16 ounces spaghetti: Long pasta works well to hold the butter garlic sauce.
5 Tablespoons butter: The base of the sauce, giving richness and shine.
8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Fresh garlic drives the bright, aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes: Provides a controlled spicy kick, adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning the sauce and finishing the pasta.
⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving: Melts into the sauce for saltiness and creaminess.
Salt as needed: To finish and balance the dish.
Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional): Adds color and a fresh herbal lift.

If you want a creamy bowtie variation while keeping the same flavors, see this creamy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta for inspiration.

Step-by-step Instructions

Prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 ounces spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside. Tip: reserving pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce if it becomes thick.
Season the chicken. In a bowl, combine the 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Toss until evenly coated.
Sear the chicken. Heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for thin slices. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed so the chicken sears instead of steaming.
Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and add 5 Tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Finish the pasta in the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to loosen the sauce. Taste and add salt as needed.
Combine with chicken. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss with the pasta until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve. Divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle extra parmesan if desired, and garnish with fresh minced parsley if you like. Enjoy immediately.

For an alternative method that combines searing and sauce-making in one pan, check this easy creamy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta approach for ideas.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 820 per serving

For another similar chicken and parmesan pasta that focuses on bite-sized pieces, you might find this garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta helpful for serving style ideas.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Use thinly sliced chicken for fast, even cooking. If your slices are uneven, gently pound them to uniform thickness.
Tip: Do not let the garlic brown in the butter. Cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to restore saucy texture.
Freezing: This pasta is best frozen without fresh parsley. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove.
Variation: For more heat, increase the 1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes or add an extra pinch while making the sauce.
Variation: For a cheesier finish, stir in a little extra 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan while tossing the pasta.
Variation: For a richer sauce, add an additional tablespoon or two of butter during the sauce step.
Variation: Boost herbal notes by increasing the 1/2 teaspoon thyme in the chicken seasoning.
More serving ideas can be found with this garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta for plating inspiration.

Conclusion

I hope this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation. It balances buttery richness, savory parmesan, bright garlic, and tender chicken in a simple, satisfying dish that comes together fast. If you want another one-pan idea, try the ONE PAN GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA for a streamlined method. For a quick, similar take with a buttery garlic finish, see the 20-Minute Garlic Chicken Pasta with Butter. Please try the recipe, tweak it to your taste, and share how it turned out for you. Enjoy a cozy, delicious meal.