Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a savory, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week. The combination of garlic and butter creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta, while the juicy chicken adds hearty flavor and protein.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy and tender pieces.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with robust flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and makes the sauce creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Parsley: A fresh garnish to brighten the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 more tablespoons of butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in ½ cup of pasta water and allow the sauce to simmer for a minute.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Slice the chicken and arrange it over the pasta.
3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

5. Serve

Divide the pasta and chicken among plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Chicken Alternatives: Substitute with shrimp or leave out the protein for a vegetarian version.
• Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth.
• Pasta Water: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A crisp side salad with vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just toss it into the pasta at the end to warm through.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to this dish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or Italian seasoning.
3. Sear chicken in 2 tablespoons of butter until cooked through. Remove and slice.
4. Melt remaining butter in the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add reserved pasta water and simmer.
5. Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce, then top with sliced chicken.
6. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a savory, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week. The combination of garlic and butter creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta, while the juicy chicken adds hearty flavor and protein.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces pasta spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika or Italian seasoning optional
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or Italian seasoning.
• Sear chicken in 2 tablespoons of butter until cooked through. Remove and slice.
• Melt remaining butter in the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add reserved pasta water and simmer.
• Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce, then top with sliced chicken.
• Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
• Enjoy the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal!