Tender, golden chicken bites nestled on a bed of velvety parmesan cream pasta — this dish is everything cozy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. The garlic butter sears into the chicken, creating a fragrant, crispy crust, while the creamy pasta sauce coats every strand of spaghetti in rich, cheesy goodness.

Perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken balances savory and buttery flavors beautifully. With a few pantry staples and a touch of fresh herbs, you’ll have a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Cream Pasta:

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Return the sautéed chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use grilled chicken breast instead of sautéed for a lighter option.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even rotini can all work beautifully in this creamy sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli pair wonderfully with this creamy chicken pasta.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Sear the chicken in a hot pan and do not overcrowd. Cook just until golden and no longer pink inside to keep it juicy.