Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
A quick and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (your choice: spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water This starchy water will help to create the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes Adjust for heat preference.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and the chicken, stirring everything together to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce.
Final Touches
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to the skillet.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta. Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Adjust spice levels as per preference. Excellent with garlic bread or steamed vegetables on the side.