This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of garlic and butter with tender chicken and spaghetti. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy days, while the comforting flavors ensure it will be a favorite at your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: With garlic, butter, and freshly grated parmesan, every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy pasta dish, making it a go-to for family meals.
Versatile Options: Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to create a complete dining experience.
One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup is required as most of the cooking occurs in one pot.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: This is essential for cooking the chicken and combining all ingredients efficiently.
Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot helps cook spaghetti evenly without overcrowding.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of chicken and 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
5 Tablespoons butter
8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

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 sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat once cooked through.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over low heat.
Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
Toss in cooked spaghetti along with grilled chicken pieces.
Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted.
Adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Now you can enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious, versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With a Fresh Green Salad

A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.

Pair with Garlic Bread

Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch and extra garlic flavor that complements the pasta beautifully.

Top with Extra Parmesan

Shaving some additional parmesan over the top just before serving creates an irresistible cheesy finish that everyone will love.

Add a Splash of Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, adding acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter.

Garnish with Fresh Parsley

Sprinkling freshly minced parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

To achieve restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta at home, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh ingredients bring out vibrant flavors that dried versions cannot match.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente. This gives it a perfect chewiness and prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken breasts just until they are no longer pink inside. Overcooking can lead to dry meat, which detracts from your dish’s overall enjoyment.
Mix in Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash helps create a creamy sauce consistency when mixing everything together.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Serving side dishes alongside Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal further. Here are some great options:

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus seasoned simply with olive oil and salt.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with this rich pasta dish.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the buttery pasta while adding a pop of green color to your plate.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that complements the flavors well.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled with butter adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to your meal, making it feel more festive.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs rounds out the meal beautifully while soaking up any leftover sauce from your pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland pasta. Always use salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavor.
Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked spaghetti becomes mushy and unappealing. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
Not mincing garlic finely: Large garlic pieces can overpower the dish. Mince garlic finely for a balanced flavor throughout.
Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t melt evenly into the sauce. Use room-temperature butter for a smooth garlic sauce.
Neglecting to reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps emulsify the sauce. Always reserve a cup before draining your pasta.
Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness. Garnish your dish with parsley or basil just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Portion into individual servings for easier reheating later.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) stirring in between until warm throughout.
Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that might help you on your cooking journey.

How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color. Also, consider using different types of pasta or proteins such as shrimp.

What is the best type of chicken for this recipe?

Thinly sliced chicken breasts work best due to their quick cooking time and tenderness. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for quick dinners during busy weeknights.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes great even after reheating.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish nicely, adding freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Try this recipe today, and experience the joy of a comforting meal that everyone will love!

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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, all tossed with spaghetti for a delightful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this creamy pasta dish is sure to please the whole family. With just one pot required for cooking, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle of extensive cleanup. Enjoy the satisfying blend of flavors in every bite, topped with freshly grated parmesan and garnished with parsley for an irresistible finish.

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove from heat.
In a pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over low heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet.
Mix in reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian