Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Looking for a meal that’s creamy, rich and full of flavor? Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is your answer! This cozy, restaurant-style dish strikes the right balance between juicy chicken, a creamy garlic butter sauce, and properly cooked pasta. So, whether you’re serving this up for a weeknight dinner, or on a special occasion, you’ll have this one covered.
It’s not just super flavorful, but also super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. We’ll guide you through every step so you can make this restaurant-grade dish, even if you’re new to the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s simple and delicious, and can be made in under 30 minutes!
- Great fun and good for both kids and adults.
- Full of rich, garlicky flavor tempered with creamy sauce.
- Simple, healthful ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
You Need
For the chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the garlic butter sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or sub with half-and-half for lighter sauce)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Equipment Needed
- A large pot for boiling pasta.
- A skillet or non-stick pan for sautéing chicken and making sauce.
- Tongs and a wooden spoon for stirring.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water (1 tablespoon salt).
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. It usually takes around 10-12 minutes.
- Reserve ½ cup for pasta water and set aside. Drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and cook the chicken
- Cut your chicken breast into bite-size cubes. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Pat the chicken dry, then remove to a plate and set pop aside.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t overdo it, or it’ll get bitter).
- Sprinkle on red pepper flakes for a little heat (optional).
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream, until it’s well-combined with the butter.
- Whisk in the Parmesan in stages, until it melts completely and forms a silky sauce.
Step 4: Toss pasta with chicken and sauce
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to mix and coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if necessary to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Take the pot off the heat and garnish with some fresh parsley for color and flavor!
- Serve the pasta family-style or plated individually. Serve extra Parmesan on the side for those who love cheese.
Notes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve a crusty loaf of garlic bread to mop up the luscious sauce.
- In terms of drinks, you can never go wrong with a nice chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling mocktail.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Potassium: 630 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. The flavor will be unaffected, but the thickness will be.
Absolutely! And while penne or fettuccine will work wonders here, any shape will do, such as spaghetti or farfalle.
2. What can I use in place of heavy cream?
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even canned coconut milk for a dairyfree version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
4. Is there a gluten free option for this recipe?
Yes! Just replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free type. Make sure your Parmesan and whatever else you use is gluten-free, too.
5. Can I prepare this in advance?
You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time (up to 2 days) and refrigerate them separately. For best texture, cook the pasta fresh just before serving.
Final Words
This is a keep-on-repeat Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s indulgent enough for a weekend but simple enough for a weeknight. And it’s customizable, trade in ingredients based on your dietary restrictions or heat sensitivity.
Make this dish tonight, and you’ll savor the rich, garlicky goodness. Happy cooking!