Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Perfect for Dinner Tonight!

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a steaming plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or impress your family with minimal effort, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and simplicity. Imagine tender, juicy chicken paired with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s a meal that’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Ready to dive in? Let’s cook up something amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

You know those meals that make everyone stop talking and just enjoy? This Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is one of those. It combines simple pantry staples, yet the flavors are anything but basic. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Quick and easy: Done in about 30 minutes.
  • Affordable ingredients: Most items are already in your kitchen.
  • Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Rich and flavorful: The garlic butter sauce and tender chicken are irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick breakdown of everything required for this recipe. These ingredients are easy to find, yet they come together beautifully.

For the Chicken

IngredientQuantity
Thinly sliced chicken breasts1 pound (about 2 medium breasts)
Salt¼ teaspoon
Black pepper¼ teaspoon
Chicken bouillon1 teaspoon
Garlic powder1 teaspoon
Paprika½ teaspoon
Thyme½ teaspoon
Olive oil3 tablespoons (divided)

For the Pasta and Garlic Butter Sauce

IngredientQuantity
Spaghetti16 ounces
Butter5 tablespoons
Garlic (minced)8 cloves
Crushed pepper flakes½ teaspoon
Black pepper¼ teaspoon
Freshly grated parmesan⅔ cup, plus extra for serving
SaltAs needed
Fresh parsley (optional)For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up this delicious meal? Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still slightly firm. (This usually takes about 8 minutes.)
  3. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
  4. Use a colander to drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Cooking your chicken properly is key to achieving that tender, juicy texture.

  1. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
  2. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with:
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Chicken bouillon
    • Garlic powder
    • Thyme
    • Paprika
  4. Drizzle and rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  6. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side.
  7. Check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165°F.
  8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

This is where the magic happens—the garlic butter sauce pulls everything together with its rich, savory flavor.

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and let it melt.
  2. Add the minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add black pepper and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir well and bring to a light simmer.

4. Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
  2. Toss the pasta well to ensure it’s evenly coated.
  3. Sprinkle in the ⅔ cup of freshly grated parmesan and mix well.
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  5. Taste the pasta and add salt if needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
  2. Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken.
  3. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.

And there you have it—your Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • Seasoning the chicken: Letting the chicken sit at room temperature ensures tender and evenly cooked meat.
  • Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky texture.
  • Don’t overcook garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it when cooking.
  • Adjust spice levels: Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
  • Fresh ingredients: Freshly grated parmesan and real garlic make a huge difference in flavor.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

While this dish is delicious on its own, you can pair it with:

  • Garlic bread: The perfect side to soak up the buttery sauce.
  • Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a pop of color and nutrition.
  • Crisp green salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

NutrientAmount
Calories550-600
Protein35g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat20g
Sodium600mg

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works best, you can use fettuccine, penne, or linguine.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

4. What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
You can use chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

6. What’s the best way to reheat pasta?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dinner Recipe

This Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy, affordable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish brings a little gourmet magic to your dinner table without the stress.

Ready to give it a try tonight? Trust us—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Perfect for Dinner Tonight!


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  • Author: Melany
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the answer! Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that ties it all together. It’s a simple yet irresistible meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your family with minimal effort. Get ready to make a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 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 (divided)

For the Pasta and Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 16 ounces spaghetti
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • Salt, as needed
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes).
    • Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
    • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
    • Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.
    • Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  • Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and let it melt.
    • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Add the black pepper and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir and bring to a light simmer.
  • Toss the Pasta in the Sauce:
    • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it well to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
    • Stir in the grated parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
    • Taste the pasta and add salt if needed.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
    • Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken.
    • Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Chicken Prep: Letting the chicken sit at room temperature ensures even cooking and tenderness.
  • Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving some pasta water; it helps create a silky sauce that sticks perfectly to the pasta.
  • Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so stir constantly to prevent it from becoming bitter.
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated parmesan and real garlic for the best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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