Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a dish that your family will adore! With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. The warm garlic butter sauce enhances the tender chicken and spaghetti, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor that elevates this pasta dish.
- Family-Friendly: With familiar ingredients and an appealing taste, it’s suitable for both kids and adults.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Chef’s knife: A good knife allows you to slice chicken and garlic quickly and safely.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti evenly, ensuring it cooks perfectly al dente.
- Skillet: Needed for sautéing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
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
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh minced parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts and mince the garlic. This will help streamline your cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Mix well. Coat the chicken slices with this seasoning mixture.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken slices. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Toss in cooked spaghetti, mixing well to coat everything in delicious sauce. Add parmesan cheese and season with additional salt if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish!
Enjoy your delightful Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With a Fresh Green Salad
- A simple green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Topped with Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Accompanied by Garlic Bread
- Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting side that perfectly matches the garlic theme of the dish.
Finished with Fresh Parsley
- Garnishing with fresh minced parsley not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh herbal note.
Paired with Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted seasonal vegetables make for a nutritious side, balancing the creamy pasta with their texture and flavors.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips that elevate your dish to new heights.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and real butter for richer flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures your spaghetti has the right texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Mince garlic finely: Finely minced garlic releases more flavor, making your sauce robust and aromatic.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish before serving; add salt or pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
- Let it rest: Allowing the pasta to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve immediately: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh; serve right away for optimal taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing adds crunch and flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides nutrients and color contrast, making your plate visually appealing.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing appetizer that complements the richness of pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a light and flavorful option.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender provide an earthy taste that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter.
- Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini slices seasoned simply can add depth without overwhelming the main dish.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm dip served with tortilla chips or bread offers an indulgent starter before diving into your main course.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is perfect for summer meals and adds a fun element to your dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken properly. A little salt and pepper can enhance flavor immensely.
- Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Al dente pasta holds its texture better when mixed with sauces.
- Using too much garlic: While garlic is essential, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe for balance.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the flavor profile. Dried alternatives may lack vibrancy.
- Ignoring the resting period: Letting cooked chicken rest for a few minutes helps retain moisture and improves taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and heat over medium, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish made with tender chicken, garlic, butter, and spaghetti. It’s quick and easy to prepare.
Can I customize this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Experimenting with different cheeses can also change the flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To spice it up, simply add more crushed red pepper flakes or even chopped jalapeños while cooking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with any pasta type you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is not only family-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavor makes it a standout dish that can easily be customized. Give it a try tonight; you won’t be disappointed!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. This family-favorite recipe features tender chicken and spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating an irresistible meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With its simple preparation and customizable options, you can easily add vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 5 tbsp butter
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp assorted spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing chicken and mincing garlic.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Return chicken to skillet, add cooked spaghetti, toss with parmesan cheese, and season as needed.
- Serve hot garnished with parsley and extra parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 523
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 674mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
