If you’re searching for a dish that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple to pull off any night of the week, let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner. Imagine perfectly tender bites of chicken and toothsome pasta, all tossed in a gorgeous, garlicky butter sauce with a touch of Parmesan and fresh parsley. This is the kind of meal you’ll crave after a long day, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes – talk about a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this recipe’s magic comes down to fresh, everyday ingredients that create something extraordinary together. Each element adds to the flavor, texture, and aroma – so don’t skip the details, and get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!
- Pasta (12 ounces spaghetti or linguine): Choose your favorite long pasta – these noodles soak up the sauce perfectly and keep every bite silky and satisfying.
- Chicken breasts (2, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean, juicy, and super-fast to cook, chicken is the hearty protein that turns this into a main course.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A hit of richness for sautéing the chicken, and for rounding out the flavors of the sauce.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The hero of that glossy garlic sauce, lending both silkiness and unmistakable flavor.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is essential – it infuses the whole dish with its deep, savory perfume.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Totally up to you, but a pinch of heat wakes up the butteriness beautifully.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Builds depth in the sauce and gives that gorgeous gloss and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce for a crave-worthy finish.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup chopped): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a hit of herbal brightness right at the end.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to bring out all the flavors – give your chicken a generous sprinkle.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a background warmth that rounds everything out.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A last squeeze wakes up all the flavors and brightens each bite – don’t skip it!
How to Make A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil – the kind that dances with happy bubbles. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (springy and just cooked). Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about half a cup of that precious pasta water – you might want it later to make your sauce extra dreamy. Set both aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, toss the diced chicken with salt and black pepper so every piece gets a hit of flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat – once it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it gets that gorgeous golden crust, then stir until fully cooked through (about 6 to 8 minutes total). Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn down the heat to medium, and into the same skillet, melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and (if you want a little kick) those red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring constantly, until the garlic is softly golden and deeply aromatic – this only takes 1 to 2 minutes, so watch it closely. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, and let the sauce bubble for about 2 minutes to intensify the flavor.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
With your fragrant sauce ready, return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat the noodles and chicken in that buttery, garlicky gloss. If the sauce looks a bit tight, add a splash of your reserved pasta water – just enough to loosen things up and help the sauce cling to every strand. Finally, stir in the Parmesan and fresh parsley, giving everything one last toss until the cheese melts and the parsley brightens up the whole pan.
Step 5: Serve up A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Spoon generous helpings onto plates or shallow bowls, and don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side. A gentle squeeze right before you dig in makes the flavors pop and takes this dish from simple to utterly irresistible. Dinner’s served – cue the happy sighs!
How to Serve A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Garnishes
Finish your bowls of pasta with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, another sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and an extra whirl of cracked black pepper if you want a touch more spice. A big squeeze of fresh lemon really brings all the flavors to life, brightening the rich butter and savory garlic.
Side Dishes
This gorgeous pasta doesn’t need a lot alongside, but you can never go wrong with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a plate of roasted broccoli. For a classic touch, serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of that garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve this A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner family-style in a big serving bowl, letting everyone help themselves. Tuck some lemon wedges and a big bunch of parsley on the side for color. Or, for date nights or cozy dinners, twirl the pasta into little nests on each plate and perch a few golden bites of chicken on top for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? They’ll keep beautifully! Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making for a perfect grab-and-go lunch or speedy second dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll be good for up to one month. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, as this helps keep everything tender and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, add the pasta and chicken to a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth, cooking gently over medium heat until everything is warmed through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between so it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out. If you have any extra cheese or parsley, add those just before serving for that fresh-from-the-pan taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work just as well with this sauce and make it easy to scoop up all the garlicky bits. Just be sure to cook them al dente and adjust the sauce amounts if needed.
What’s the best way to make it spicier or milder?
The red pepper flakes are totally flexible, so use more or less to match your spice preference. Or, leave them out entirely if you’re making this for little ones or sensitive palates – it will still be bursting with flavor.
Can I substitute shrimp or another protein?
Definitely! Shrimp is a wonderful swap – just sauté until pink and opaque, then proceed with the recipe. Cooked turkey, chopped sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms also make great variations if you want to try something new with A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can make this dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter and skipping the Parmesan (or using a dairy-free cheese substitute). The sauce will still be luscious and fragrant thanks to the garlic and chicken broth.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the chicken and garlic, grate the cheese, and even cook your pasta a few hours ahead. Store everything in the fridge, then pull it together in minutes when you’re ready for A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderful about being able to whip up a meal that tastes so much more than the sum of its parts. I hope you’ll give this A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner a try, whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in. It’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for quick comfort and big flavor!
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A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful and straightforward recipe perfect for a satisfying dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce for a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add chicken broth, then combine pasta, chicken, Parmesan, and parsley in the skillet.
- Serve: Toss everything together and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- This recipe can also be made with shrimp instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
