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Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds - Featured Image

Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Learn how to make delicious Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients. I always prioritize fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan because they really shape the final flavor. For the chicken, I prefer skinless, boneless breasts for quick cooking and easy slicing, but thighs work well if you want a juicier bite. When it comes to pasta, any medium-width noodle will do, but I’m partial to penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce beautifully. If you want to swap the spice, feel free to adjust the chili flakes to suit your family’s taste buds.

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (or rigatoni)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh always!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this step is essential to avoid bitterness.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Season with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Pasta, recipe, cooking, food