Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a meal that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is versatile enough to impress any crowd. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that elevates the pasta to new heights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables or substituting proteins according to your preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking is done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and combining all ingredients seamlessly.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot ensures that spaghetti cooks evenly and prevents 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
Garnish
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and chicken bouillon.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside once cooked.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to low.
- Add butter; once melted, stir in minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic butter sauce.
- Toss well to combine everything together.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet; mix gently until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious meal that can be served in various ways to delight your family and friends. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing pairs well with the rich pasta.
Complement with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up pasta sauce.
- Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks provide a delightful crunch alongside the dish.
Add Extra Protein
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy shrimp can add a seafood twist to the meal.
- Bacon Crumbles: For smoky flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon on top of your pasta.
Garnish for Flavor
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of minced parsley adds color and freshness.
- Extra Parmesan: Serving additional parmesan cheese can enhance the rich flavors.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta has a firm texture that holds up well in the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt or pepper for your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and complements the flavors well.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted in olive oil offer a delightful crunch.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing Italian touch.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, zucchini noodles offer a unique twist on your plate.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses makes for an enticing appetizer.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness to balance the savory dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season the chicken with salt and pepper for a tastier dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente.
- Using pre-minced garlic: Pre-minced garlic often lacks the freshness and flavor of fresh garlic. Use freshly minced garlic for the best taste in your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Not measuring ingredients: Eyeballing measurements can throw off flavors. Use measuring spoons and cups for precise ingredient amounts.
- Skipping the butter: Butter is key for rich flavor in this dish. Don’t skip it or substitute with oil if you want that creamy, buttery finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a savory dish made with tender chicken breasts, spaghetti, garlic, and butter, bringing comfort food to your table.
Can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap spaghetti for another pasta type.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta spicy?
To add spice, include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly and makes for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s thoroughly thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking and flavor absorption.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also delivers incredible flavor that your family will love. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences. Try it out and enjoy a delightful dinner experience!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This family-friendly recipe is versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personalized touch. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this one-pot meal is sure to become a staple at your dinner table. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and chicken bouillon.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté the seasoned chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Boil salted water in a pot; cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter; stir in minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet; toss with the garlic butter sauce.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet; mix gently until heated through.
- Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan and parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
