Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with rich garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates simple chicken and pasta.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite vegetables for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one pan, so you’ll spend less time cleaning up after dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything at hand will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and combining the sauce with pasta.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of spaghetti without sticking together.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife: Essential for safely preparing chicken and chopping garlic.
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 Chicken
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant but not browned (about 1 minute).
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with garlic butter.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with chicken and sauce.
- Pour in reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency.
- Mix in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 5: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired before serving hot with extra parmesan on top.
Enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Consider these serving suggestions for a well-rounded meal.
Pair with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing complement the richness of the pasta.
- Garden Salad: Fresh mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast.
Add Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are a simple yet satisfying addition to your meal.
Include Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, making it an elegant side.
Finish with Garnish
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle minced parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of parmesan enhances flavor and adds a nice touch.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To achieve the best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking spaghetti until it’s al dente ensures it holds up well against the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Add Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variety.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining; it helps to thicken the sauce if needed.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta alongside complementary sides enhances your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the buttery flavors of the pasta.
- Caesar Salad: This rich salad adds crunch and acidity, balancing the meal beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrients, making them an excellent choice.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a fresh bite that’s easy to prepare.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are perfect for adding an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland pasta. Always use salt and pepper generously.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the spaghetti too long, it will become mushy. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap butter or garlic can ruin this dish. Opt for good quality butter and fresh garlic for better flavor.
- Not allowing the garlic to sauté properly: If you add garlic too late, it won’t release its full flavor. Sauté it until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring the pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s great for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the pasta to cool before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion into individual servings for easy reheating later.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to try penne or fettuccine for a different texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of butter.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this dish beautifully.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. This dish promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite—give it a try!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful, quick-to-make dish that perfectly marries tender chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce. This family-friendly recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese, this pasta dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to swap in shrimp or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch. Minimal cleanup is another bonus since most of the cooking happens in one pan. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting meal tonight!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
- Olive oil, salt, black pepper, and spices
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes until fragrant (about 1 minute). Return chicken to skillet and toss with garlic butter.
- Combine drained spaghetti with the chicken mixture and add reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
