Garlic butter chicken pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky butter sauce over pasta. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners due to its simplicity and quick preparation time. The dish is versatile enough to be served for both casual meals and more special occasions, offering a satisfying and comforting meal that’s easy to customize to suit different tastes.

Why This Recipe is Popular

This garlic butter chicken pasta recipe is popular for several reasons:

1. Ease of Preparation: It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken creates a rich, savory dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
3. Family-Friendly: Its simple, comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to meal for families.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients

1. Chicken: Types and Preparation Tips
   • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish. Ensure the chicken is evenly cut for consistent cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs before searing to enhance flavor.
2. Pasta: Suggestions for Various Pasta Types
   • You can use any pasta, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are popular choices. Cook the pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture that holds the sauce well.
3. Butter and Garlic: Importance of Quality Butter and Fresh Garlic
   • Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich, creamy sauce. Fresh garlic is essential for its strong, aromatic flavor. Mince or finely chop the garlic to release its full taste.

Optional Ingredients

1. Parmesan Cheese: Enhancing the Dish
   • Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish with a sharp, nutty flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a creamier texture.
2. Seasonings: Adding Complexity with Herbs and Spices
   • Incorporate herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme, and spices like red pepper flakes for heat. These add layers of flavor and can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

• Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs (such as thyme or paprika). Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet, searing each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cooking the Pasta

• While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta (like spaghetti or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
• Before draining, reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is essential for loosening the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• If using, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at this point to enrich the sauce. Slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water to the butter and garlic mixture, whisking constantly until a smooth sauce forms.

4. Combining Pasta and Chicken

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
• Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pasta, tossing everything together. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.

Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Variations and Customizations

1. Protein Alternatives

• Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Sear the shrimp in the garlic butter until pink and opaque.
• Salmon: Salmon fillets can be cooked in the same way as chicken, offering a rich, flavorful alternative.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then pan-fry until crispy.

2. Making It Creamy

• Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce after sautéing the garlic. This will create a luscious, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken and pasta.

3. Spicing It Up

• Italian Seasonings: Enhance the dish with a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary for a classic flavor profile.
• Cajun Seasonings: For a kick, sprinkle in Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. This adds a spicy, smoky dimension to the dish that complements the richness of the butter and garlic.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Cooking Tips

• Importance of Salted Water for Pasta: Always add a generous amount of salt to your pasta water. It’s crucial for seasoning the pasta from within, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Preventing Garlic from Burning: Garlic burns quickly, which can make it bitter. Cook it on medium heat, stirring constantly, and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

2. Serving Suggestions

• Pairing with Salads or Bread: Complement this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the pasta, while the bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcooking Pasta

• How to Avoid Mushy Pasta: Cook pasta until just al dente. Start checking it a minute before the package suggests. Drain immediately and toss with sauce to prevent overcooking.

2. Burning Garlic

• Tips for Sautéing at the Right Temperature: Cook garlic on medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness.

3. Dry Chicken

• Ensuring Juicy Chicken by Monitoring Cooking Time: Sear chicken over medium-high heat and cook only until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest the chicken briefly before slicing to retain moisture.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

• Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic, but fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor. If using garlic powder, start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting to taste.

2. Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

• No, do not rinse the pasta. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, resulting in a less cohesive dish.

3. What are good side dishes to serve with this pasta?

• Great side dishes include a fresh Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread, all of which complement the richness of the pasta.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Garlic butter chicken pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers rich flavors that everyone will enjoy. The flexibility of the ingredients allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a go-to option for any meal. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experiment with the variations for a satisfying, flavorful experience.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Christine

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Description

This garlic butter chicken pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, garlicky butter sauce that coats al dente pasta perfectly. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and more special occasions. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For The Chicken

• 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts about 2 medium breasts cut horizontally in half
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

For The Pasta and Garlic Butter Sauce

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 5 Tablespoons butter
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• Salt as needed
• Fresh minced parsley for garnish optional

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Instructions

Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (done but with a firm bite). It takes about 8 minutes to cook to be al dente. Remove one cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside for later use, then use a colander to drain the pasta over a sink.

Chicken

• Bring the chicken to room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will promote even cooking.
• Pat dry the thinly sliced chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with the salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, thyme and paprika. Drizzle and rub one tablespoon of the olive oil on both sides of each chicken slice.
• Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until it registers an internal temperature of 165℉ on an instant-read meat thermometer.
• Transfer the chicken from the pan to a large plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

Garlic Butter Pasta

• Add the butter to the same skillet in which the chicken was cooked on medium heat and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds. Do not burn the garlic. Add the black pepper and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir well and bring to a light simmer.
• Add the cooked spaghetti and toss well to combine with the garlic butter sauce. Add the shredded parmesan and toss well to ensure that it is evenly distributed in the pasta. Add more water if it needs some thinning out. Also, taste and add salt as needed.
• Slice the chicken and serve over the spaghetti, topped with more shredded parmesan, and garnished with fresh minced parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding cream for a richer sauce or using different proteins like shrimp or tofu. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.