Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic, and creamy butter over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: Infused with garlic and herbs, every bite bursts with delicious flavor that your family will love.
- Versatile: Pair it with a green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal suitable for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild yet savory taste, even picky eaters will enjoy this pasta dish.
- Leftover Friendly: If you have any leftovers, they can easily be reheated for lunch the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and enhance your enjoyment.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti quickly and evenly.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and garlic to achieve that rich flavor.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Pasta and Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 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
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter to make cooking easier.
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts if not already done.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Add the chicken to the skillet; cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower heat; add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with chicken.
- Sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes), then add crushed pepper flakes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Add parmesan cheese; mix well until combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta hot. Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate your meal experience.
With a Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
Topped with Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkle additional freshly grated parmesan on top for an extra cheesy flavor. It enhances the overall taste and makes each bite more indulgent.
Accompanied by Garlic Bread
- Serve with warm garlic bread to complement the garlic notes in the dish. The bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining garlic butter sauce.
Garnished with Fresh Parsley
- Adding fresh minced parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a hint of freshness that pairs well with the rich pasta.
Paired with Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a nutritious side that complements the garlic butter chicken pasta beautifully.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Cook pasta al dente – This ensures your spaghetti has the right texture and doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste your dish as you cook and feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Sauté garlic gently – Avoid burning the garlic by sautéing it over medium heat until fragrant, which brings out its natural sweetness.
- Add reserved pasta water – If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Experiment with herbs – Try adding herbs like basil or oregano for an extra layer of flavor if you want to mix things up.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
When serving Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, consider these tasty side dishes that pair perfectly with it. Each side enhances the meal without overpowering it.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and creaminess that complements the creamy pasta sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their earthy flavor contrasts beautifully with garlic butter chicken pasta; toss them in olive oil and roast until crispy.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing accompaniment that brightens up each bite.
- Garlic Knots – These flavorful knots are perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a summery touch; simply grill or boil and serve with butter.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an exciting starter before diving into your main course.
- Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles can be served alongside or instead of traditional pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, chewy meat. Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink inside for tender pieces.
- Not seasoning adequately: A bland dish is unappealing. Use salt, pepper, and other spices generously for a flavorful pasta.
- Ignoring the pasta instructions: Under- or overcooking the spaghetti can ruin texture. Follow package directions closely for perfect al dente pasta.
- Skipping the garlic prep: Minced garlic releases more flavor than whole cloves. Always mince your garlic for that rich taste in your dish.
- Neglecting to reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce and make it creamy. Reserve a cup before draining your spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion into meal-sized servings for easy thawing.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
How can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta healthier?
You can use whole wheat spaghetti or add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrients while keeping flavors intact.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works well, feel free to swap with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping and quick weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. The comforting flavors make it an instant family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter over al dente spaghetti. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread to elevate your dining experience and enjoy every flavorful bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and season chicken with spices; cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant (2 minutes).
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the chicken and sauce; mix in parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
