Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. With its creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare, this dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad, making it a complete and nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pasta! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy the next day as the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you move efficiently through the recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and creating the sauce all in one pan.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A must-have to ensure your spaghetti is cooked perfectly.
- Colander: Used for draining the pasta after boiling, preventing sogginess.
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
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- Salt as needed
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh minced parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken slices with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add seasoned chicken slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- While cooking the chicken, boil water in a large pot.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain spaghetti using a colander.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water. Mix well so that all noodles are coated evenly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet with spaghetti and sauce.
- Toss gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding salt or more black pepper.
- Serve hot with additional parmesan on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing it with the right sides or garnishes enhances the flavors and makes for a well-rounded meal.
With Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread slices spread with garlic butter, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Focaccia: Soft Italian bread seasoned with herbs that complements the pasta beautifully.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed to retain crunch, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and roasted until tender, providing a lovely contrast in texture.
With Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated over the top for an added layer of richness.
- Mozzarella Balls: Serve alongside for those who love a creamy addition.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To make this dish even better, consider following these tips. They will ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is always a hit!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Include Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest brightens up the flavors and balances richness from the butter.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until no longer pink to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider tossing in spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the buttery sauce, making every bite satisfying.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing complement the rich pasta nicely.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a healthy crunch that contrasts well with the softness of pasta.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized sprouts provide a savory flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic butter.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that balances out the meal’s richness.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto is an indulgent option that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter chicken flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and zesty flavor to lighten up the plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness that matches well with garlic butter notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious meal.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken can make the dish bland. Use salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta for the best texture.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Low-quality butter or chicken can impact flavor. Choose fresh ingredients for a richer taste.
- Not mincing garlic properly: Large pieces of garlic can overpower the dish. Mince garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
- Neglecting to garnish: Skipping fresh parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A simple garnish adds color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid hot spots.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and spaghetti for a comforting meal.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.
How do I customize this recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta stores well and makes for quick lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its rich flavors and versatility make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your family’s taste!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and delightful dish that brings comfort to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender chicken and spaghetti enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce, this meal is both satisfying and family-friendly. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience. Enjoy the rich flavors and simplicity of this recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chicken bouillon
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Set aside.
- Boil water in a pot and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water until noodles are coated evenly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to combine and stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
