Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Loaded with rich flavors and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With its creamy garlic butter sauce and tender chicken, it’s a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Pair it with a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta perfectly.
- Family-Friendly: With its delicious taste and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables or changing the type of pasta.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything comes together in one pot.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and allowing the sauce to develop its rich flavor.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures you can cook spaghetti perfectly al dente while preparing your sauce.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing chicken and other ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
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
- 16 ounces spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 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)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Thinly slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create even pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and measure out all spices.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Return cooked chicken to skillet along with drained spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss everything together gently; add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional black pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired, serve warm alongside extra parmesan cheese on top! Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that will delight your family and friends.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing.
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Add a Side of Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter for an extra kick.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls that can be slathered with butter for a comforting touch.
Sprinkle Some Extra Cheese
- Parmesan: Grate fresh parmesan on top for added richness.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can make the dish even more indulgent.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds freshness and color.
- Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Perfecting your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines for a meal that impresses every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when mixed with sauce.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The right amount of butter creates a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Season Generously: Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To complement your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, consider these delicious side dishes. They enhance the meal while providing variety.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender for a flavorful addition.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a refreshing starter.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Grilled Zucchini: Seasoned zucchini grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor profile.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can serve as an elegant appetizer alongside the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland pasta. Always season your chicken with salt and spices before cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking spaghetti too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente texture, which holds up better with sauce.
- Neglecting garlic: Garlic is a key flavor in this dish. Be sure to sauté it just until fragrant; burning it can ruin the taste.
- Using cold butter: Adding cold butter to hot pasta can clump instead of melt smoothly. Always use softened or melted butter for a creamy finish.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip garnishing with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Add pasta and a splash of water or broth into a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, spaghetti, garlic, and rich butter sauce that is perfect for family dinners.
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
The total time to prepare this dish is around 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for different flavors.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its comforting flavors any night of the week!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful and quick dish that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this rich and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to family gatherings. The savory blend of garlic, butter, and spices creates an irresistible sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. Serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chicken bouillon
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally and season with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet along with drained spaghetti. Toss together and add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
