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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
why make this recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich flavor that makes this meal comforting and satisfying. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or pasta water) and heavy cream, if using. Stir to combine and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta warm, directly from the skillet for a rustic touch. You can also plate it individually. Add extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
how to store Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce.
tips to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh herbs for a pop of flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken; it should be tender and moist.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference—it can be more or less.
- For a lighter dish, skip the heavy cream or use a substitute like Greek yogurt.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. For a healthier option, use whole grain pasta or add some greens to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can save time! Just add it when you sauté the garlic.
2. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and skip the heavy cream or use a plant-based cream.
3. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
It’s best to avoid freezing the pasta, as it may become mushy. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Salt (for boiling water)
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Making Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or pasta water) and heavy cream, if using. Stir to combine and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for a pop of flavor. Do not overcook the chicken; it should be tender and moist. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference; it can be more or less. For a lighter dish, skip the heavy cream or use a substitute like Greek yogurt.
