Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Garlic Butter Pasta
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.
- 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