Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal made with tender chicken pieces, golden garlic, and a buttery sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s a comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ Lemon (Make it juice) optional, for brightness
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach or broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp heavy cream for extra creaminess
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (avoid burning).
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a smoother sauce.
Finish & Serve:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic flavor.
- Brown the butter slightly for extra depth, but don’t let it burn.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 360mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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