Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 509 reviews

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe features tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic spices and sautéed to perfection. Tossed with al dente spaghetti in a rich garlic butter sauce enhanced with crushed pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound thinly sliced chicken 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

Pasta

  • 16 ounces spaghetti or any favorite pasta shape

Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and thinly slice the chicken breasts for quick and even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, evenly coat the chicken with salt, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme to infuse the meat with rich flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring safety and juiciness.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
  5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic, building the base flavor for the dish.
  6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained spaghetti, then toss gently to coat everything with the garlic butter sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and combine the sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add creaminess and depth.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • This dish freezes well for up to three months; reheat thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
  • Using thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures quicker and more even cooking.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother, silkier finish.

Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, creamy garlic chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner, skillet chicken pasta