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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with creamy heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with your favorite pasta type or added vegetables for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, then simmer gently while stirring to incorporate the richness into the sauce.
  4. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir until the cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor rather than jarred or powdered alternatives.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until juices run clear to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water as it helps to thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a better melt and vibrant taste.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently for a smooth, rich consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/garlic-butter-chicken-pasta/