Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

$- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese When making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, the right ingredients make all the difference. Start with fettuccine pasta, which has a nice shape for holding sauce. Chicken breasts are a great choice because they cook quickly and stay juicy. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, while minced garlic adds that lovely aroma. You can spice things up with red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, while lemon zest adds a fresh twist. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. The grated Parmesan cheese is key for a creamy finish. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil 8 oz of fettuccine pasta until al dente. - Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Add 2 sliced chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper. - Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter. - Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes if you like heat. - Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. - Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts, forming a creamy sauce. - Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the drained fettuccine. - Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. - If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. To get juicy chicken breast, use boneless, skinless chicken. Slice them into strips. This helps them cook faster. Season with salt and pepper before cooking. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Check that the chicken is no longer pink inside. Avoid overcooking. If chicken cooks too long, it gets dry. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C) for safety. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little, then mix well. This helps reach your desired thickness. To enhance flavor, add lemon zest or red pepper flakes. These give a fresh kick. Stir these in just before serving for the best taste. Cook the fettuccine until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow package instructions carefully. Drain but save some pasta water. This helps with the sauce later. To time everything right, start boiling the pasta first. Once the pasta is cooking, you can begin cooking the chicken and making the sauce. This way, everything is hot and fresh when you mix it together. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For this dish, fettuccine is ideal as its flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. You can use other types like linguine or spaghetti, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken stays juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. Fresh Garlic Matters: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you can, avoid pre-minced garlic, as it tends to lose its vibrant taste and aroma. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Start with a tablespoon at a time to avoid making it too watery. {{image_2}} You can make your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta even better by adding veggies. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts quickly and adds color. Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients. Just steam it and toss it in. You can also roast your vegetables. Roasting brings out sweet flavors. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a tasty twist. Want to switch up the protein? Shrimp works well in this dish. Cook shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until pink. Tofu is another great option for a plant-based meal. Just cube it and sauté it until golden. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything cooks perfectly. You can play with spices to boost flavor. Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano for an extra kick. A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth too. Don’t forget different cheeses! Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Each change creates a new taste experience. To store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The pasta can last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. Always reheat until hot. You can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for up to two months. For reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce. If you have a busy week, meal prep is a great idea. Cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately to keep them fresh. You can mix them before serving. This way, you enjoy a quick and tasty meal any day! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. So, the total time is 30 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can use different pasta. Some good options are penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini also make great sides. They add color and flavor. Yes, you can make this dish lighter. Use less butter and cream. You can swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a low-fat option. This keeps it creamy without the extra calories. Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta like rice or corn pasta. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Just cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. This post covered key ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, from fettuccine to chicken. I included steps to cook the dish perfectly and tips for juicy chicken. We explored options for veggies, proteins, and flavor boosts. Additionally, I shared storage and meal prep advice to help you get ahead. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. You can make it your own with simple changes. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the delicious meals you create!$

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with garlic butter sauce, chicken, and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions

Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Finish with lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a nice touch for freshness!

Keyword butter, chicken, creamy, garlic, pasta