Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic-infused buttery sauce combined with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Served over perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
- Add heavy cream and simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Slice the chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts into thin slices for easy serving and mixing.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly.
- Add chicken to pasta: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and gently toss again to combine the ingredients fully.
- Finish with parsley and butter: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and butter, allowing the butter to melt and impart richness.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Pasta can be swapped for gluten-free options if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.