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