Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in this creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
2. Step 2: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
5. Step 5: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Step 6: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
8. Step 8: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt and bubble, scraping up any browned bits.
9. Step 9: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
10. Step 10: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
11. Step 11: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
12. Step 12: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
13. Step 13: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
14. Step 14: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
15. Step 15: Gently fold in the sliced chicken.
16. Step 16: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
17. Step 17: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist.
• Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking for added flavor.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.