Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating a scrumptious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful combination of rich, buttery goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with the aromatic essence of garlic. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to indulge yourself in a comforting dish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To create this savory masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of pasta (your choice of type)
- 1 pound of chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipments
To whip up this culinary delight, you’ll need the following equipment:
- A large pot
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A colander
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should still have a slight bite to it. Once the pasta reaches your desired texture, drain it using a colander and set it aside while you prepare the chicken sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Ensure all sides of the chicken receive equal attention for a balanced flavor distribution. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn bitter. Next, gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the butter and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the rich garlic butter sauce. Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it has melted completely and the dish comes together with a creamy consistency. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For an added touch of freshness, garnish your garlic butter chicken pasta with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the pasta hot, ensuring to spoon plenty of sauce and chicken onto each plate. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad. Sit back and watch your guests savor every mouthful!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This delectable pasta dish can be served as a main course, and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm bruschetta. It’s also perfectly complemented by a chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling lemonade. Enjoy it freshly cooked or as a delightful lunch the next day!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, fresh ingredients will make all the difference. Opt for high-quality Parmesan and fresh garlic to elevate the flavors. Feel free to experiment by adding different herbs like basil or oregano, or tossing in vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste preferences easily.
Pumped Up Protein: High-Protein Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Want to make your garlic butter chicken pasta even more satisfying? Consider adding extra sources of protein. A great option is to incorporate some cooked bacon bits or add a handful of shrimp together with the chicken. Alternatively, topping the dish with a few toasted pine nuts can add a delightful crunchy texture while boosting the protein content.
Another tip is to use high-protein pasta made from legumes or whole grains, which are readily available in most supermarkets. These additions and substitutions will ensure your meal is not only delicious but also packed with the vital nutrients necessary for building and repairing tissues.
Low-Carb Comfort: Transforming Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Cutting down on carbs doesn’t mean giving up on flavor. One way to transform this recipe for a low-carb diet is by replacing the traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles. Zoodles can be made with a spiralizer and provide the texture of pasta while offering a fraction of the carbohydrates.
You can also opt for other vegetable noodles, such as spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles, which complement the robust flavors of the garlic butter sauce. These substitutions make the dish light yet equally delightful, allowing you to indulge in your garlic butter heaven without any diet guilt.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply store the garlic butter chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. A splash of milk or cream may help rejuvenate the dish if it seems a bit dry. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream sauce may change when thawed.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, beef, or even a vegetarian alternative like tofu. - What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. - Is it okay to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the dish’s nutritional value. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta available at most grocery stores. - Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Certainly! You can sauté the chicken using the sauté function and then cook the pasta with the sauce on the pressure cook setting for a quick meal.
A Taste of Love: Cooking Magic with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a heartwarming dish that merges rich flavors with simple cooking techniques to deliver a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, hosting a friendly dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite. We invite you to try it out, share your experience in the comments, and spread the joy by sharing this recipe with fellow foodies. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- pasta
- chicken breast
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- heavy cream
- grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook sliced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown.
- Add butter to the skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, simmer.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce in the skillet, add Parmesan and mix.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!