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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish When I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, I love using fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts are my main focus. I cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. This keeps them tender and juicy. Next, I pick my pasta. Fettuccine or spaghetti works great. I like to use 8 ounces. This amount serves four people nicely. Butter is key in this dish. I use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It gives the sauce a rich taste and smooth texture. Garlic brings a lovely aroma. I use 4 cloves, minced finely. The more garlic, the better, right? For the sauce, I add 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. It adds flavor and richness. I also use 1 cup of heavy cream for creaminess. Seasoning is important to me. I add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Finally, I sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts into the pasta beautifully. Fresh parsley is my garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This mix of ingredients makes for a quick and tasty meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy creating this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta. - Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into pieces. - Season with salt and pepper. - Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. - Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. - In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. - Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t burn it. - Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. - Bring it to a gentle simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. - Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. - Simmer for 3 minutes while stirring. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. - Toss in the drained pasta. - Mix everything gently. - If the sauce is thick, add some reserved pasta water. - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. - For extra flair, add more Parmesan on top. - To know when chicken is cooked, cut a piece open. It should be white inside, not pink. - For perfect pasta texture, cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water; it helps the sauce stick. - You can add extra spices like Italian seasoning or garlic powder for more flavor. - To balance creaminess with acidity, squeeze some lemon juice into the sauce. This will add a nice zing. - For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top. It looks pretty and adds flavor. - Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple salad on the side makes it a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor than pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh to elevate your dish! Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine holds sauce well, while spaghetti offers a classic touch. Pick based on your preference for a delightful experience. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret ingredient that helps adjust sauce consistency and adds extra flavor. Don't forget to save some! Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley enhances the dish's color and flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan also adds richness and a touch of elegance to your presentation. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the chicken. Here are some great options: - Shrimp: Cook just like the chicken for a seafood twist. - Turkey: Use turkey breast for a lean choice. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. If you want to keep it vegetarian, try these: - Chickpeas: These add protein and texture. - Tempeh: A hearty choice that soaks up flavors well. You can adjust the sauce to fit your needs. To make it low-fat: - Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. - Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter touch. For a dairy-free version, try: - Coconut milk: It gives a nice creamy flavor. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews for a rich sauce. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Consider these: - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end. - Peas: They add sweetness and color. Choosing the right pasta can change your dish. Here are some options: - Whole grain: Adds fiber and a nutty taste. - Gluten-free: Use rice or corn pasta for a gluten-free meal. You can also use different shapes for fun: - Penne: Great for holding onto the sauce. - Rotini: Twists capture every bite of flavor. To store your garlic butter chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container. Allow it to cool down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it is warmed through. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter chicken pasta. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, take it out and place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet, adding some chicken broth or cream if needed. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for three days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see changes in color or smell something off, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your meal safely! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you need around 30 minutes to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can thaw it in cold water for about an hour. If you want a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. This mix will help thicken the sauce while keeping it creamy. Absolutely! Kids usually love pasta and chicken. To make it even more appealing, you can cut the chicken into fun shapes. Serve it with a side of veggies or fruit for a balanced meal. To make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many good options available, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. These will work well and still taste great! In summary, this blog post covered the essential ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, including chicken, pasta, butter, and seasonings. We discussed step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to suit different preferences. Remember, you can customize this dish in many ways, from proteins to pasta types. It's easy to store and reheat for later meals. Enjoy making this simple, satisfying dish that everyone will love. Use these tips for a delicious meal anytime.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken and garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (choose between fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced chicken pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside, keeping it warm.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn for optimal flavor.
  • Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the broth reduce a bit for about 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
  • Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream along with the optional red pepper flakes and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep the mixture simmering for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors beautifully.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors.
  • Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing it with the chicken and sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Season to Taste: Take a moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as needed, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  • Serve and Garnish: Dish out the pasta hot in bowls or on plates, garnishing generously with the freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle a light dusting of extra Parmesan on top and add a few whole parsley leaves for color. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Keyword butter, chicken, creamy, garlic, pasta