Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delightful garlic butter chicken pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when this aromatic dish comes together.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance across your plate, promising a memorable meal.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among tender pasta strands, creating pure comfort on a plate.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

One bite will transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria, making every forkful a celebration of deliciousness.

What Makes Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta So Creamy

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Master a dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste without complex culinary skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Weeknight Dish: Craft a satisfying meal that works brilliantly for busy families, romantic dinners, or impromptu gatherings with friends.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Classic: Enjoy a balanced one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce in every delicious bite.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Ingredient Essentials

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, thinly sliced meat perfect for this pasta dish.

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that soaks up delicious garlic butter sauce.

• Butter: Rich and creamy foundation for the garlic sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful ingredient that gives the dish its signature taste.

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Chicken Bouillon: Adds depth and savory notes to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Extra garlic punch for intense flavor.
• Thyme: Subtle herb that complements chicken.
• Paprika: Provides mild warmth and color.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish for added color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that adds richness.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds smooth flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for extra heat.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Liquid Gold

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the water sing with flavor.

Crank up the heat and let the water dance into a rolling boil.

Slide the pasta into the bubbling water and let it swim around for about 8 minutes until it’s perfectly tender yet firm.

Fish out a cup of the magical pasta water before draining – this liquid is your secret weapon for later.

Use a colander to drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Chicken

Let the chicken chill at room temperature for about an hour.

This trick helps it cook like a dream.

Grab some paper towels and give the chicken slices a good pat-down to remove any excess moisture.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chicken bouillon
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Paprika

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage those seasonings into every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein

Heat up a skillet to medium-high and splash in some olive oil.

Lay those seasoned chicken slices into the pan and let them sizzle for 3 minutes on each side.

You’ll know they’re perfect when an instant-read thermometer hits 165℉.

Scoop the chicken onto a plate and give it a cozy aluminum foil blanket to keep warm.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

In the same pan that’s still holding those delicious chicken memories, melt butter until it’s golden and dreamy.

Toss in minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes – let them dance for about 30 seconds.

Watch carefully to avoid burning!

Pour in some black pepper and half the reserved pasta water.

Stir until it becomes a silky sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Introduce the cooked pasta to the garlic butter sauce.

Toss them together like they’re old friends.

Sprinkle in shredded parmesan and give another loving mix.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in more pasta water.

Take a taste and add salt if needed.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Slice the chicken into beautiful strips and nestle them on top of the pasta.

Shower with extra parmesan and sprinkle some fresh minced parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Your culinary masterpiece is ready to devour!

Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain to ensure tender, juicy chicken pieces that are easy to chew and more flavorful.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and distribute internal juices evenly throughout the meat.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, more cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
• Add minced garlic near the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain its rich, aromatic flavor without becoming bitter or acrid.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, ensuring a smooth, glossy coating that doesn't become too watery or dry.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain better texture and prevent sogginess.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chicken separately in the microwave using 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Drizzle a little olive oil to keep meat juicy.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Serving Ideas

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provides a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, buttery pasta, cutting through the creamy texture and complementing the garlic's sharpness.
• Fresh Garden Salad Partner: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding a refreshing element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Crusty Herb Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Chilled Sparkling Water Accent: Add a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate and provide a crisp, light accompaniment that doesn't overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Flavor Spins on Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, seasoned with the same spice blend for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa noodles, ensuring the same delicious texture and flavor profile while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the garlic butter sauce and spice combination for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, and select a plant-based milk alternative to create a creamy sauce without dairy products.

FAQs

• Why should I bring chicken to room temperature before cooking?

Bringing chicken to room temperature helps it cook more evenly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers. This ensures a juicier and more consistent piece of chicken.

• How do I know if my chicken is properly cooked?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 165℉, your chicken is safely cooked through and ready to eat. This prevents undercooking and ensures food safety.

• Can I substitute the type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap spaghetti for other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Choose a pasta that will hold the garlic butter sauce well and complement the chicken.

• What's the purpose of reserving pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky, clingy sauce. It can also help thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring your pasta is perfectly coated and flavorful.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic butter chicken pasta weaves Italian comfort with irresistible flavors, blending tender chicken and silky noodles in a rich, herb-infused sauce. Comfort meets elegance on your plate, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this soul-warming culinary creation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) thinly sliced chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) thyme

Cooking Oil:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta ingredients and equipment for a smooth cooking experience.
2. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving that perfect al dente texture, typically around 8 minutes. Extract one cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining pasta in a colander.
3. Allow chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately one hour, ensuring uniform cooking throughout.
4. Meticulously pat chicken slices dry using paper towels. Generously season both surfaces with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. Massage olive oil into each slice, creating a flavorful coating.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce remaining olive oil and carefully place seasoned chicken pieces. Sear for 3 minutes per side, verifying doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer reaching 165℉.
6. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a plate, tenting with aluminum foil to maintain warmth and moisture.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Incorporate black pepper and half the reserved pasta water, creating a light, aromatic sauce.
8. Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coating. Sprinkle shredded parmesan, tossing thoroughly for even distribution. Adjust sauce consistency with additional pasta water and season to taste.
9. Slice chicken and artfully arrange over the spaghetti. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh minced parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Optimize chicken tenderness by bringing it to room temperature before cooking, allowing for even heat distribution and a juicier result.
• Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and enhances flavor development.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165℉, preventing undercooking while avoiding dryness.
• Prevent garlic from burning by stirring quickly and keeping heat at medium, which releases its aromatic flavors without turning bitter or acrid.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg