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
Scale
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
