This Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is your answer to a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this dish features tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Quick and Easy: On the table in just 30 minutes!
- Rich and Flavorful: A buttery garlic sauce with juicy chicken and tender pasta.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap the pasta, or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
You’ll need the following to make this delicious dish:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works great)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water with a pinch of salt)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet: To cook the chicken and sauce.
- Medium pot: To boil the pasta.
- Tongs or spatula: For stirring and mixing.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping the chicken.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chicken. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor—don’t skimp!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta works best for this recipe to hold up to the sauce.
- Customize It: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the buttery sauce, but freshly made is quick and easy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add extra juiciness.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Q3: What other pasta shapes work best?
A: Any pasta that holds sauce well, such as linguine, bowtie, or rigatoni, is a great choice.
Conclusion: A Perfect Weeknight Hero!
This Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a comforting, home-cooked meal. The rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in harmony, making it a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on Instagram—we love seeing your delicious creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every flavorful bite of this easy, satisfying pasta dish!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is your answer to a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this dish features tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works great)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water with a pinch of salt)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chicken. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor—don’t skimp!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta works best for this recipe to hold up to the sauce.
- Customize It: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
