Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich dish that brings the warmth of family dinners to your table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe packs a punch with its buttery garlic flavor and tender chicken. It’s not only quick to prepare but also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, making it a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Experience: Loaded with garlic and butter, this dish offers a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy pasta, making it suitable for the whole family.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with your favorite veggies or change up the pasta type to suit your preference.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up an impressive meal without much fuss.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and allows for perfect sauce creation.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Choosing the right pot helps cook spaghetti evenly and prevents sticking.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your garlic butter chicken pasta.
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
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh minced parsley
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 skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to low and melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Mix in cooked spaghetti and toss well to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet with spaghetti.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over everything.
- Toss gently until well combined; season with additional salt if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta immediately.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy this flavorful dish with your favorite green salad!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal and impress your family or guests.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic salad with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing.
- Greek Salad – Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a tangy contrast.
Add a Side of Bread
- Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery, it’s the perfect companion to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Breadsticks – Soft and warm breadsticks can be dipped in extra garlic butter.
Elevate with Wine
- White Wine – A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the buttery flavors.
- Sparkling Water – For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon slices for a refreshing touch.
Garnish Creatively
- Fresh Parsley – Minced parsley adds color and freshness on top of the pasta.
- Extra Parmesan – Serve with additional grated parmesan for those who love cheesy flavors.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is outstanding.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile significantly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente – This texture allows the pasta to hold onto the sauce better, creating a delightful bite.
- Balance Seasoning – Adjust salt and pepper based on your taste preferences to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken – Ensure chicken is cooked just right; it should be juicy and tender without being dry.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Complementing your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide great flavor contrasts.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze makes for a tasty appetizer.
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction are light and refreshing.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw balances out the creaminess of the pasta perfectly.
- Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini offers a low-carb alternative that can be served alongside or under the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland pasta. Make sure you use salt and spices generously for flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking spaghetti too long makes it mushy. Aim for al dente by following package instructions and taste-testing.
- Not using enough garlic: Garlic is key in this recipe. Skimping on it will lessen the dish’s signature taste. Use fresh minced garlic for best results.
- Skipping the butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess. Don’t omit it; instead, adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Using low-quality cheese: A good parmesan cheese enhances flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality cheese for a great finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan and reheat over medium heat, stirring often until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to substitute with penne or fettuccine based on your preference.
How can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta healthier?
You can swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. You may also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes an excellent meal prep option. Just follow the storage instructions above.
What proteins can I use instead of chicken?
You can easily replace chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version of this delicious recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting family favorite. With tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those looking for quick yet satisfying meals. The combination of savory flavors and creamy textures creates a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that brings warmth and joy to every gathering.
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, crushed pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken until golden brown (5–7 minutes).
- Boil salted water in a pot; cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low; melt butter and sauté minced garlic with crushed pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Toss cooked spaghetti in the garlic butter sauce; return chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
