My Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and tasty meal. It’s great for a weeknight dinner because it’s easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and it doesn’t take long to prepare.
This recipe is simple to follow. It uses ingredients you can find easily. It’s ready fast, perfect for when you’re short on time.
The flavors in this easy pasta recipe are amazing. The chicken and garlic butter sauce mix well. They’re served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy preparation, ideal for weeknight dinners
- Minimal ingredients required
- Rich and savory flavor profile
- Perfectly cooked pasta every time
- A great solution for busy evenings
Why This Dish Became My Favorite Weeknight Dinner
I’ve fallen in love with my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s now my go-to weeknight dinner. The simplicity and flavor make it a standout.
The Story Behind My Recipe
My love for this chicken pasta started on a busy weeknight. I needed a quick, satisfying meal. I had all the ingredients, and it was love at first bite!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is special because of its rich garlic butter sauce. It’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy sauce are a winning mix. Everyone alway
s wants more.
Everything You’ll Need to Make This Dish
To make this tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few simple things. You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools.
Let’s start by looking at the ingredients required for this recipe.
Ingredients List
The ingredients for my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can be broken down into two main categories. You’ll need pasta and chicken, and garlic butter sauce components.
Pasta and Chicken Components
For the pasta and chicken, you’ll need 8 oz pasta of your choice, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast. You’ll also need some seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Garlic Butter Sauce Components
The garlic butter sauce is made with 4 cloves of garlic, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll also need some fresh parsley for garnish.
Kitchen Equipment Required
To prepare this dish, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment. You’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a colander for draining pasta. A garlic press and a grater for Parmesan cheese will also be helpful.
How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
With a few simple ingredients and basic cooking, you can make garlic butter chicken pasta. It’s a quick dinner recipe that’s full of flavor.
Prepping the Chicken
The first step is to prep the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like Italian seasoning.
Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
Creating the Garlic Butter Base
The garlic butter base adds rich flavor. Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add salt and parsley for freshness. This base is the sauce’s foundation, so take your time.
Pasta Preparation Tips
Cooking pasta right is key for a great pasta with chicken dish. Use high-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
Check the pasta a minute before it’s done. Reserve pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious garlic butter chicken pasta. It’s a quick dinner recipe that’s sure to please.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
The magic happens in the cooking process. Your garlic butter chicken pasta comes to life. It’s easy and worth the effort. Follow a few simple steps for a delicious easy pasta recipe.
Cooking the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Cooking pasta al dente is key for a great dish. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water.
Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook until it’s just firm to the bite. This takes 7-9 minutes, depending on the pasta type.
Drain the pasta and set it aside. To stop it from sticking, toss it with olive oil.
Sautéing the Chicken
Next, sauté the chicken in a pan with olive oil. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook until it’s cooked through and slightly browned.
This takes 5-7 minutes, depending on the chicken size. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm with foil.
Making the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Combining All Elements Together
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in the pan. Toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta cooking water.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley or parmesan cheese. Your garlic butter chicken dish is ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations to Try at Home
Now you know how to make easy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Try it with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. You can also add diced veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach to the sauce.
Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Or, try different pasta like fettuccine or linguine. You can even use shrimp or bacon for more flavor.
This chicken pasta is great for any dinner. Get creative and try new things. Make it your own!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- For the Parmesan Linguine
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Add Lemon & Garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Linguine:
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente (per package instructions). Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine & Serve:
- Toss cooked linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it.
- Top with lemon garlic chicken, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
