Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, buttery goodness, and the rich flavor of garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is quick to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that feels indulgent without taking hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken and pasta.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and savory taste, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots required, cleanup is a breeze so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken and mixing everything together without overcrowding.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A good-quality pot ensures even cooking of your spaghetti while preventing sticking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts cut horizontally in half)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 16 ounces spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- Salt as needed
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained spaghetti. Toss everything together gently.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience that elevates any dinner table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance your meal.
Add Fresh Greens
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing the meal.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
- Minced Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Basil Pesto: Drizzle some basil pesto over the dish for an added layer of taste.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks can also be a great addition, perfect for dipping.
Offer Extra Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Provide extra grated parmesan at the table for those who love more cheesy goodness.
- Feta Crumbles: For a different twist, feta cheese can add a tangy flavor contrast.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out restaurant-quality.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the overall flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente for the best texture; it should have a slight bite to it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed, especially salt and pepper, to suit your preferences.
- Add Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining. Adding it can help bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
When planning a complete meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair exceptionally well with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. They complement its flavors while adding variety to your dinner.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and parmesan adds crunch and freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add vibrant colors and nutrients.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing accompaniment.
- Minestrone Soup: A hearty bowl of minestrone soup warms up any meal and provides additional veggies.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus offers a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an inviting starter or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few simple details. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Using cold chicken: Always start with chicken that is at room temperature. This ensures even cooking and better flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Follow package instructions for al dente pasta. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its appeal.
- Forgetting to season: Don’t skip seasoning your chicken and pasta. A pinch of salt can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Not using fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a robust flavor. Dried garlic cannot replicate the same taste in this dish.
- Skipping the cheese: Always add freshly grated parmesan for a creamy texture. Pre-grated cheese lacks the richness needed for this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and heat over medium until warmed through, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that might help you out.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta and lean chicken breasts. Adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also boost nutrition.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Pair it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet quick to prepare. Try it out today!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and indulgent meal that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic flavors, and creamy pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, taking only 20 minutes to prepare. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner that will please the whole family. The buttery sauce, combined with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, adds layers of flavor to this delightful recipe. Serve it with a side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete and enjoyable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts cut horizontally in half)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- Salt as needed
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In boiling salted water, cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 8 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the skillet.
- Toss everything together gently and add reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved. Stir in ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese until melted. Season to taste and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
