Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich butter, and garlic-infused spaghetti in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner party, this recipe guarantees a flavorful meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With its quick prep and cook time, you can whip up this enticing dish in under 20 minutes!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Pasta
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish (optional)
• How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
• Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Everything
• Step 6: Season & Serve
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• With Fresh Salad
• Adding Extra Cheese
• Garnish with Herbs
• Serve with Garlic Bread
• Include Roasted Vegetables
• How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What ingredients do I need for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
• Can I customize this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe?
• How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
• Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken and pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the taste, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or veggies based on your preference.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and combining all ingredients seamlessly.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A must-have for preparing perfectly cooked spaghetti every time.

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
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• Salt as needed

For Garnish (optional)

• Fresh minced parsley

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken slices. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained spaghetti. Toss gently to combine everything well with the sauce. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Taste your dish; adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a meal sure to impress!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes elevates the meal, making it even more enjoyable for family dinners or gatherings.

With Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Adding Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This enhances the creamy texture and adds a rich, savory flavor.

Garnish with Herbs

• Fresh minced parsley or basil makes an excellent garnish. It not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh aroma and flavor.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Pairing this pasta with warm garlic bread creates a comforting experience. The bread is perfect for savoring the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Include Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers provide color and nutrition. They complement the pasta nicely and make the meal more balanced.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor compared to pre-minced options. It enhances the aroma and taste of the dish significantly.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for al dente pasta for a firm texture that holds up well in the sauce. This helps prevent mushiness in your final dish.

• Don’t Skimp on Butter: Using enough butter is key to achieving that rich, velvety sauce. It enriches the overall flavor profile of this chicken pasta.

• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice levels.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps all flavors meld together beautifully before serving.

• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve this dish hot right after cooking. The flavors are most vibrant when enjoyed fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Complementing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provides crispness alongside your pasta.

2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and a pop of color while offering nutritional benefits without overpowering flavors.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring earthy notes to your table. Toss them with olive oil and seasonings before roasting for best results.

4. Caprese Salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil come together in this fresh salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flair!

5. Garlic Parmesan Knots: These soft bread rolls brushed with garlic butter complement your pasta wonderfully while adding a fun touch to dinner.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances well with savory garlic butter chicken pasta.

7. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve spiralized zucchini as a side dish to add veggies without weighing down your meal.

8. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and festivity to any dinner setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland pasta. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta for too long can make it mushy. Ensure you follow package instructions and taste for doneness a minute or two before time is up.

• Using cold butter: Adding cold butter can result in uneven melting. Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it blends well with the garlic.

• Not mincing garlic finely: Large pieces of garlic can burn easily and create an unpleasant taste. Mince the garlic finely to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

• Rushing the cooking process: Trying to cook everything too quickly can lead to uneven results. Take your time with each step for a better overall flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warm.

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that might help you:

What ingredients do I need for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

You will need thinly sliced chicken breasts, spaghetti, butter, garlic, olive oil, spices, and Parmesan cheese.

Can I customize this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

The total time from prep to serving is just about 20 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite veggies or switch up the protein as desired. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!