. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save a little pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Sauté this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to be fragrant and golden but not burnt. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Stir well to combine everything. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the dish creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken pasta! For the full recipe, check out the original instructions. To make the best garlic butter sauce, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has a strong flavor that dried garlic lacks. You should also sauté the garlic just until it turns golden. Cooking it too long can make it bitter. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. They bring heat without overpowering the dish. Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. One big mistake is overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. Another error is not saving pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. When sautéing chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. This causes steaming instead of browning. Lastly, avoid skipping the cheese. Parmesan adds creaminess and flavor. If you're out of chicken, try shrimp or tofu for a different taste. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Don’t have Parmesan? Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or spinach to add color and flavor. Always match the substitutes to the dish to keep it delicious. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta by adding veggies. Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. These add color and nutrition. Simply sauté them in the same pan as the chicken. Add them before the garlic for extra flavor. This makes your meal heartier and more vibrant. If you like heat, spice it up! Add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also use a dash of hot sauce. This brings a kick that pairs well with the creamy pasta. Adjust the spice to your taste. It’s an easy way to change the whole dish! Want a lighter meal? Swap heavy cream for half and half. It still gives a creamy taste but cuts the fat. You can also use less butter. This keeps the dish tasty but lowers the calories. You still get a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy. Check out the Full Recipe to see how these changes work! After enjoying your garlic butter chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When stored properly, the flavors remain rich and delicious. To reheat your pasta, use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Heat over medium heat, stirring until warm. You can freeze garlic butter chicken pasta, but it is best to do so without the cheese. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove, adding cheese during the last few minutes for that creamy finish. Enjoy your meal again with great taste! For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta creamy, add more heavy cream. You can also mix in some cream cheese. Start with a little and stir well. This will give your dish a rich, smooth texture. Remember to adjust the seasoning if you add more cream. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, heat the chicken and sauce together. Add the pasta at the last minute. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with several side dishes. A simple green salad works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. You might also try steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a mix of vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This keeps the dish full of flavor while being meat-free. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. We walked through simple steps, from cooking the pasta to finishing touches. I shared tips to perfect the sauce and avoid common mistakes. You can also try different variations, add veggies, or make lighter options. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers and reheat them properly. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Use this recipe as a base and make it your own. Enjoy your delicious dish!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/81308886-a7de-4c4d-9bd4-b8cf4ecfc067-300x300.webp)
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a deliciously creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that's quick and easy to make! With tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this one-pan dish is a winner for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering meal that's sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!