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.