Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the creamy goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite, offering a comforting blend of flavors that brings everyone together around the table.
This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal in a short amount of time. Perfect for any day of the week!
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce
- Comforting and satisfying
A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a beloved dish. With just a handful of items, you can whip up a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan sauce elevates the ordinary chicken and pasta into a delightful culinary experience. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish promises to please the palate of everyone at the table.
The rich flavors in this recipe come together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the versatility of the ingredients allows for easy customization. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in whole grain pasta for a healthier option. This dish truly adapts to your needs!
Perfect for Family Gatherings
Nothing brings families together quite like a hearty meal. Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta makes for an excellent centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Its creamy texture and rich flavors can impress even the pickiest eaters, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it allows for easy portioning, making it simple to serve a crowd without the fuss.
As the aroma fills your kitchen, it sets the perfect tone for a delightful family dinner. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish not only warms the stomach but also creates lasting memories, encouraging conversations and laughter around the dining table.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the greatest benefits of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is its suitability for meal prep. Prepare a large batch over the weekend, and you've set yourself up for quick, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store individual portions in airtight containers, and simply reheat when you're ready to eat. The flavors only get better as they meld overnight, giving you even more reason to enjoy it later.
Leftovers can be reincarnated into new dishes as well. Toss the pasta with fresh vegetables or create a pasta bake by topping it with breadcrumbs and baking until golden. With a little creativity, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can be transformed into several different meals, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Make sure to check what you have at home before shopping!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To ensure that your chicken breasts stay juicy and tender, avoid overcooking them. A meat thermometer can be incredibly helpful; chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, slicing the chicken thinly before cooking can help it cook evenly and quickly, allowing the butter and seasonings to infuse the meat better.
Marinating your chicken in a bit of garlic and lemon juice before cooking can add an extra layer of flavor. Even a brief marination can make a significant difference, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Experiment with different herbs or spices in the marinade, such as thyme or paprika, to give your chicken a personal touch.
Enhancements for Your Pasta Sauce
To elevate the garlic butter sauce further, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. Allow it to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors before adding the heavy cream. This technique brings a sophisticated touch and enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce, making it even more delightful.
For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sautéed spinach for added nutrition and color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking can also brighten the flavors, balancing the richness of the butter and cream, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well with this recipe!
→ How can I make it healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of butter.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Savor the creamy goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite, offering a comforting blend of flavors that brings everyone together around the table.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How-To Steps
Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 56g