Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this recipe combines tender chicken with rich garlic butter sauce over spaghetti. The quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-Packed: With the rich taste of garlic and butter, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting pasta dish, ensuring happy faces at the dinner table.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using just a few simple ingredients means less fuss and more fun cooking.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet helps evenly cook the chicken while allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the butter.
- Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling spaghetti and ensures that the pasta cooks evenly without sticking together.
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
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add salt to the boiling water.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season chicken slices with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned chicken slices to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low after removing chicken from skillet.
- Add butter to the same skillet along with minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sauté until garlic is fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken to skillet with garlic butter sauce.
- Toss in drained spaghetti, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 5: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (add salt or pepper).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy bread infused with garlic butter—a perfect match for soaking up extra sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: Slices of fresh baguette served alongside for an excellent texture contrast.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted asparagus makes for a tasty side that complements the dish.
With Wine
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the flavors of the garlic and butter beautifully.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp white wine offers a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente for the best texture—firm yet tender.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until it’s no longer pink to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste as you go! Add more salt or pepper if needed for enhanced flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
- Garnish Generously: Finish with freshly minced parsley or extra parmesan for added flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for scooping up sauce.
- Caprese Salad: A simple salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that complements pasta well.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds a seasonal touch to your meal.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with salt and pepper provide a hearty side.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with various greens dressed in vinaigrette balances out the meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry and tough meat. Cook until just done, ensuring it remains juicy.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoned pasta can taste bland. Make sure to season both the chicken and the pasta water with salt.
- Using low-quality pasta: Cheap pasta may not hold up well in sauces. Opt for good quality spaghetti for the best texture.
- Skipping fresh garlic: Using garlic powder instead of fresh can dull the flavor. Always use minced garlic for a more robust taste.
- Neglecting to reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps create a creamier sauce. Save a cup before draining your spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delicious variation of this dish.
How do I enhance the flavor of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and makes an excellent option for lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that transforms your dinner into a flavorful experience. Featuring tender chicken slices tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and family gatherings. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can whip up this comforting pasta in just 20 minutes. Serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove chicken; add butter to the skillet with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Return chicken to the skillet; toss with drained spaghetti and stir in parmesan until melted.
- Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
