If you’re craving a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner. This dish brings together tender chicken, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a luscious Parmesan sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing pasta you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such everyday ingredients can create a meal that tastes restaurant-worthy. Each element in this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner serves a special purpose, adding depth, texture, or a burst of color to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully, but you can use your favorite shape for the perfect bite.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces for fast cooking and juicy results.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with savory flavor in seconds.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer so every forkful is full of taste.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the sauce, lending a rich, silky finish to the pasta.
- Garlic: Four cloves, freshly minced, bring that signature aroma and warmth to the whole dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, making the sauce luxurious without being heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and stirred in, it melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty burst.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish at the end.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, a sprinkle will do the trick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, which keeps the noodles pleasantly firm. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid is pure gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later. Set the drained pasta aside while you move on to the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This quick sear locks in moisture and builds layers of flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute or two until fragrant—but don’t let it brown. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a creamy, slightly thickened sauce that will cling beautifully to your pasta.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until each strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated in that luscious garlic butter-Parmesan goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right—silky, glossy, and irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, then shower the pasta with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Give everything one last gentle toss and bring your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner straight to the table while it’s piping hot and fragrant.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley take this dish from comforting to stunning. If you’re feeling adventurous, finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. The red pepper flakes add a splash of color and a subtle bit of heat, making each plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for balance. A slice of warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that buttery sauce. For a lighter touch, try simply steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the pasta high in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic look, or twirl individual portions into neat nests for an elegant dinner-party vibe. If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the pasta on a platter and scatter with plenty of fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan. For a family-style meal, keep it casual and let everyone help themselves straight from the skillet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the cooled Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a handy option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers, ideally with a layer of parchment to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to two months. Just be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir will help bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, and warm gently over medium heat, stirring frequently. This helps revive the sauce and ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are classic choices for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, spaghetti, or rotini will work just as well. Pick your favorite or use what’s in your pantry.
Is there a way to make this dish creamier?
Yes! For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese in the sauce stage. You’ll end up with an even richer and more decadent sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy alternative to breast meat. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook as directed for a slightly richer result.
How can I add more veggies?
Toss in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition. The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner is how easily it welcomes your favorite vegetables.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s weeknight-easy but feels like a treat, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner is sure to hit the spot. With its simple ingredients and irresistible flavors, it’s a meal you’ll want to share—and savor—again and again. Give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes your new favorite pasta night staple!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breast pieces are seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, then tossed with pasta in a rich garlic butter and Parmesan sauce. With fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, this creamy pasta dish is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add cheese and combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.
- Add steamed broccoli or fresh spinach for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan cheese in the sauce step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
