If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender, crispy chicken with the comforting richness of pasta, look no further than Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta. This recipe perfectly balances cheesy, savory flavors and a luscious garlic butter sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this delightful meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a new favorite comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of crispy chicken and creamy garlic butter pasta makes every bite irresistibly cozy.
Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table fast.
Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for all ages, the flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners and can easily be customized to fit dietary preferences.
Visual Appeal: Golden chicken tenders layered over buttery pasta topped with melted cheese make this dish as pretty as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta is straightforward but each one plays an important part in building flavor and texture. The combination of fresh, pantry staples and bold seasonings ensures that every bite hits just right.

Chicken Tenders: Use fresh tenders for juicy and tender meat that crisps beautifully on the outside.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth and melts perfectly over the chicken and pasta.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver a bold and aromatic flavor essential to the butter sauce.
Butter: Provides the rich, silky base for the pasta that carries the garlic flavor.
Pasta: Choose your favorite type; linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully here.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp the chicken tenders to golden perfection without greasiness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous note to lighten the richness of the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.

Variations for Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want a healthier spin or just crave a little extra excitement, these variations have you covered.

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle heat boost.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices for a delicious meatless alternative.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone along with Parmesan for gooey cheese pull.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or thyme to the garlic butter for a fragrant herbal lift.

Why Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta Delights

How to Make Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by seasoning your chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Pour in a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the garlic butter sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every strand. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate the garlic butter pasta and top with the crispy chicken tenders. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for an inviting finish.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and real butter make a noticeable difference in sauce flavor.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep the tenders juicy by cooking just until they register 165°F internally.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s the secret to achieving a smooth, silky pasta sauce that clings perfectly.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer taste than pre-grated varieties.
Toast Parmesan on Chicken: Pop the plated dish under the broiler for a minute to achieve a crispy cheese crust.

How to Serve Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich flavors. A light dusting of Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side can brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal and add texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your chicken tenders cut into strips laid over a nest of pasta, or layer everything in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders and pasta separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra butter to refresh the sauce’s creaminess and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure crispiness and even cooking.

What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Long, thin pasta such as linguine or fettuccine works perfectly as it holds the garlic butter sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! The components reheat well separately and come together quickly for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a vegan Parmesan alternative to enjoy a lactose-friendly version.

How can I add more vegetables to this meal?

Add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli either mixed into the pasta or served on the side for a nutritious boost.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy comfort with a rich, savory twist that’s simple to make and universally loved. Give this recipe a try and discover your new go-to dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether a cozy night in or feeding hungry guests. You’ll be smiling at the table with every flavorful bite!

Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta

Print Recipe

Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring crispy, juicy chicken tenders paired with pasta coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and melted Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers cheesy, savory satisfaction with every bite, perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or special occasions.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying and stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used and breading omitted)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders

Fresh chicken tenders, about 1 lb
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water

Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Additional Parmesan cheese, for topping
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the garlic butter sauce, stirring well to coat all the noodles. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the garlic butter pasta and top with the golden, crispy chicken tenders. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and real butter for the best flavor in the sauce.
Do not overcook the chicken; cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for superior melt and flavor compared to pre-grated options.
For a crispy cheese crust, briefly broil the assembled dish with extra Parmesan on top.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Chicken Tenders Parmesan, Garlic Butter Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly, Crispy Chicken, Parmesan, Garlic Butter Sauce