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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
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This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet gourmet dish that’s family-friendly and easily customizable with fresh herbs, veggies, or cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti), cooked al dente
  • Reserved pasta water (optional)

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Combine cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Mix pasta and chicken with sauce: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving to add freshness and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and creaminess.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, buttery garlic sauce, family meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/garlic-butter-chicken-pasta/