GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA ULTIMATE

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is about to become your new weeknight go-to, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great!)
• 6 tbsp butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gear Up: Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. This is where the magic starts!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need this later to adjust the sauce consistency.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are flavor gold!
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly. Make sure every strand of pasta is glistening with that delicious sauce.
3. If needed, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite!

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Perfection

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink inside.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor. Jarred garlic just doesn’t compare.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: This is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the salt!
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water. If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Cheesy: Stir in some mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens the whole dish.
• Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic for a more complex flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead

You can prep the chicken ahead of time by seasoning it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta and sauce. Just reheat it before adding it to the dish.

Storage

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti (for a super garlic-y meal!)
• Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole (if you have any keto friends over)

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Nutritional Overview

While Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. It’s relatively high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, so enjoy it in moderation.

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
• Fat: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-70 grams per serving
• Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving

To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of butter and cream, and add more vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
• Crowd-pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Comforting: It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day or to simply satisfy your comfort food cravings. It’s right up there with Marry Me Chicken Pasta in terms of comfort!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, linguine, and rotini all work well with this recipe. Choose your favorite!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can. Chicken thighs will be more flavorful and moist than chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook them until they’re cooked through.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the pasta and sauce.

How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Make sure to cook the pasta in plenty of salted water and stir it occasionally while it’s cooking. After draining the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits

So there you have it – everything you need to create the ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!