If you are searching for a delicious, comforting, and incredibly simple dinner to whip up on a busy night, the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is your ultimate go-to. This dish combines tender bites of chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. The harmony of the garlic, butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta and morsel of chicken, making each bite nothing short of pure comfort food bliss. Whether you are cooking for your family or craving a satisfying solo meal, this recipe promises ease, flavor, and a touch of elegance on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe to life, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible flavor, texture, and aroma. These essentials keep the recipe approachable yet utterly delicious.
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne): Your carbohydrate base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Creates that silky, buttery sauce that’s the heart of this dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers a fragrant punch that elevates the entire recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat contrast to the buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, nutty flavor to finish the sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a fresh burst of color and taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your choice of pasta until al dente, following the package directions carefully. Saving half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining is key to adjusting the sauce later, giving your final dish that luscious, silky consistency everyone loves.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the chicken onto a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, cooking for about one minute. This step is critical as it gently softens the garlic, releasing its aroma and infusing the butter with rich flavor without burning.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels dry. This helps bind the sauce perfectly to both the pasta and chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. These final touches not only add depth of flavor but also enhance the dish visually with bursts of green. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed before plating up this comforting masterpiece.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe truly shine at the table, consider garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few more fresh parsley leaves. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can add a silky finish and enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple side salads or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, adding a refreshing crunch and balancing the richness of the dish. Crusty bread or garlic bread is another favorite that complements every bite and helps scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving your pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with lemon zest for a zesty twist, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for subtle crunch. Adding roasted cherry tomatoes on top introduces a burst of sweet acidity that contrasts nicely with the buttery sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain freshness, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften after freezing, so it’s ideal for those who prefer convenience over texture perfection.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated pasta gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly, ensuring the chicken stays tender and the sauce remains creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are great choices, feel free to use spaghetti, linguine, or even a gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Is it okay to substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for a juicier and more flavorful option. They may need slightly longer cooking times but add a rich taste to the dish that complements the garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and swap Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What are some good additions to enhance this dish?
For extra foods and flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. These work well with the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe and boost both nutrition and taste.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle, gentle heat that awakens your palate without overpowering the creamy sauce. You can adjust or omit the flakes based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that feels like a warm hug, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers that in every bite. Its combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a fantastic recipe to keep in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish will never fail to impress, satisfy, and bring joy at your table. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This garlic butter chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed with garlic and Italian seasoning in butter and olive oil, then tossed with cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The recipe is easy to make, nut-free, and full of comforting flavors that come together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Fats & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese & Herbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine all ingredients, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter chicken pasta warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra veggies and flavors, add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms when sautéing the garlic.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to reduce cooking time.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free option.
