Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish that perfectly balances creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. Tender chicken is combined with a rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta to create a family-friendly, versatile meal that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Ready in under 30 minutes, this indulgent but simple recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing well to coat every strand with the garlic butter sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Serve immediately as the dish tastes best fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg