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