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Melany

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

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. 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).
  2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
  1. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.
  2. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and let it melt.
  2. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the black pepper and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir and bring to a light simmer.
Toss the Pasta in the Sauce:
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it well to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
  2. 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.
  3. Taste the pasta and add salt if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
  2. Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken.
  3. 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.

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