Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a dish that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and for good reason! The rich, savory flavors of garlic and butter meld beautifully with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that is both comforting and indulgent. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds; it also carries a sense of nostalgia for many, as it often reminds us of family gatherings and cozy dinners at home.

What I love most about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers on taste and convenience. The creamy texture combined with the aromatic garlic makes every bite a delightful experience. It’s no wonder that people rave about this dish; it’s a perfect balance of flavors that leaves you wanting more. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti works great)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Preparing the Pasta

1. **Boil Water**: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. 2. **Cook the Pasta**: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 3. **Reserve Pasta Water**: Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce later. 4. **Drain and Set Aside**: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. I like to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking while I prepare the sauce.

Preparing the Chicken

5. **Season the Chicken**: While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 6. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I usually let it heat for about a minute until it shimmers. 7. **Cook the Chicken**: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). 8. **Remove and Rest**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. 9. **Slice the Chicken**: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

10. **Sauté the Garlic**: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. 11. **Add Butter**: Next, add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely, stirring occasionally. The combination of garlic and butter will create a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. 12. **Pour in Chicken Broth**: Once the butter is melted, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. 13. **Incorporate Heavy Cream**: After simmering for a couple of minutes, stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. 14. **Add Parmesan Cheese**: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. 15. **Season the Sauce**: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Combining Everything

16. **Add the Pasta**: Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. 17. **Incorporate Chicken**: Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken is well distributed throughout the pasta. 18. **Garnish**: Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. 19. **Serve**: Serve the garlic butter chicken pasta immediately while it’s hot. I like to add a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure

Conclusion:

In summary, this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce creates a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up that delectable sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even swapping out the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different twist. I encourage you to give this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Print