Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal. The garlic butter sauce is velvety and savory, with a hint of richness from the butter and depth from the garlic, while the chicken adds a hearty protein element. It’s an easy dish to prepare but feels indulgent with every bite.

I first made this dish on a busy evening when I wanted something quick but comforting. The garlic butter sauce coated the pasta perfectly, and the chicken made it feel like a complete meal. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, toss in some Parmesan for extra richness, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is sure to be a family favorite!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Weeknight meals
  • Chicken lovers
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Pasta enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta will become your go-to dinner choice:

  • Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and oh-so-flavorful, making the pasta extra delicious.
  • Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, juicy on the inside, and golden on the outside.
  • Creamy and Dreamy: The sauce has a creamy consistency that perfectly coats the pasta for a satisfying texture.
  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup required, as everything cooks in one pan!
  • Versatile Meal: Serve with your favorite pasta, or even over rice, for a customizable dish.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for a week’s worth of easy and delicious meals.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
  • Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors make this a great meal for children and picky eaters.
  • Satisfying Comfort Food: Rich and creamy, it’s the kind of meal that will satisfy your hunger and cravings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

The Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: Provides a lean source of protein, tender and juicy when properly cooked.
  • Garlic Butter Sauce: The combination of garlic, butter, and cream makes the sauce indulgent and creamy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a savory finish to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings creaminess to the sauce, making it silky and smooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  3. Slice Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Stir in Parmesan: Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything:

  1. Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the sliced chicken and toss again. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  2. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, then garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:

  • As a Main Dish: Serve this pasta as the main course with a side salad.
  • With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, buttery garlic bread for an indulgent meal.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots complement the creamy pasta.
  • For a Light Lunch: Serve in smaller portions for a light and satisfying lunch.
  • With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
  • As a Family Dinner: A great dish to make for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
  • As a Meal Prep Option: Divide into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
  • With Extra Cheese: Add more grated Parmesan or even mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
  • For a Date Night: Serve with candles and a side salad for a romantic dinner.

Additional Tips

  • Pasta Cooking Tip: Save some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce, if needed.
  • Chicken Cooking Tip: For juicier chicken, cook it over medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is done.
  • Smooth Sauce: Stir the sauce constantly while adding the Parmesan to ensure it melts evenly.
  • Seasoning Tip: Adjust the seasoning to your liking—garlic, salt, and pepper can be increased for more flavor.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a kick.

Recipe Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
  • Beef Bacon Garlic Butter Pasta: Crumbled beef bacon adds a savory crunch to the dish.
  • Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Stir in more chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
  • Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, herby flavor.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the garlic butter sauce.
  • Pot for Pasta: A large pot for boiling the pasta.
  • Tongs: To toss the pasta in the sauce and chicken.
  • Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Knife: To slice the chicken breasts.
  • Cutting Board: For preparing the chicken and other ingredients.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use other types of pasta?
    Yes, any type of pasta works well, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
  2. How can I make the sauce richer?
    Add more butter or a splash of chicken broth for extra richness.
  3. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Fresh chicken works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen if needed—just thaw and cook it thoroughly.
  4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
    You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as creamy.
  5. Can I prepare this in advance?
    Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
  6. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  7. Can I freeze this dish?
    It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to avoid texture changes.
  8. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
    Yes, you can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative.
  9. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat the pasta on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creaminess.
  10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Yes, use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, savory garlic, and creamy butter sauce with your favorite pasta. The garlic butter sauce is velvety smooth and infused with the perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon, creating a deliciously aromatic base that perfectly complements the juicy chicken and pasta. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal in every bite.

This recipe is simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Whether served on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!

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