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
Scale
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.
