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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick, easy, and deeply satisfying dish combining tender chicken breast, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers rich comforting flavors ideal for family dinners or busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and customizable options, it’s a versatile meal that delivers both cozy comfort and a flavorful dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz dry pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • Reserved pasta water, about 1 cup

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with additional salt, pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Mix everything well until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
  • Choose real Parmesan cheese over pre-grated powder for superior melt and taste.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipes, garlic pasta, family-friendly pasta