Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for garlic butter chicken pasta! It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. The rich flavors of the garlic and buttery sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony in your mouth. I often whip it up on busy weeknights when I need something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, it comes together quicker than you think! The aroma that fills my kitchen as the garlic sizzles in butter is just heavenly. I can’t help but smile when I dig into a bowl of this creamy goodness. It’s my go-to for a delicious, satisfying meal that feels like a treat without all the fuss!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to create your delicious garlic butter chicken pasta. Trust me, you’ll love how everything comes together!
- 2 cups pasta – I usually go for penne or fettuccine, but feel free to use your favorite type!
- 1 pound chicken fillet, diced – Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 4 tablespoons butter – Unsalted is best to control the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – You can adjust this based on your love for garlic; I always say, the more, the merrier!
- 1 cup chicken broth – Homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This adds that rich creaminess that makes the sauce so heavenly.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – Freshly grated cheese is my favorite for that extra flavor boost!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season to your liking!
- Parsley for garnish – Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this garlic butter chicken pasta! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll end up with a bowl of comfort that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking! Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and set it aside. You want to keep it warm while you whip up the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. I like to let it melt slowly so it gets that lovely, nutty aroma. Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic. This is where the magic happens! Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and just golden—be careful not to burn it, or it can turn bitter!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every piece gets that delicious buttery flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece—there should be no pink inside!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now, let’s create that creamy sauce! Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and smooth. The sauce should be rich and velvety—if it feels too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until each strand of pasta is beautifully coated in that garlic butter goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila! You’ve got a comforting, delicious dish ready to serve.
Tips for Success
To make your garlic butter chicken pasta truly shine, here are some handy tips! First off, don’t be shy with the garlic—I believe the more, the merrier! If you love that robust flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two. Also, choose your pasta wisely; I find that shapes like penne or fettuccine really hold onto the sauce well, making every bite a delicious experience.
If you want to add a little zing, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat! And remember, always taste as you go—seasoning is key to bringing out those flavors. Lastly, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just a quick reheat, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to garlic butter chicken pasta, it’s good to know what you’re fueling your body with! Keep in mind that the nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
This delightful dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packs a good punch of protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy your meal while keeping these values in mind!
FAQ About Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Got questions about my garlic butter chicken pasta? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using penne or fettuccine, feel free to swap in any pasta you have on hand—spaghetti or even gluten-free options work wonderfully too!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your garlic butter chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Just cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for that fresh, creamy taste!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version! The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How long does it take to cook?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick weeknight meal! Just cook the pasta while you prepare the sauce for efficiency.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This garlic butter chicken pasta is a meal that checks all the boxes for a busy home cook like me. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights!
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken creates a rich and satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
- Comforting: Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it a go-to dish for cozy dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the garlic level to suit your taste!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your garlic butter chicken pasta experience, pair it with a light side salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. The freshness of greens with a tangy kick complements the creamy richness of the pasta perfectly! You might also consider serving some warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving adds a lovely touch. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to round out your meal!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious garlic butter chicken pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce and pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 pound chicken fillet, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta