Simple Garlic Butter Chicken with Pasta Recipe
Hey there! If there’s one thing I love, it’s a quick and delicious meal that also delivers comfort. Today, I’m excited to share my easy recipe for garlic butter chicken served over pasta. It’s one of those dishes that can be whipped up in no time and is perfect for weeknight dinners or even when you feel like treating yourself on a lazy weekend. Trust me, the garlic butter flavor with the tender chicken is pure magic!
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
This garlic butter chicken recipe isn’t just tasty; it also has some great nutrition going for it! First up, chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Pairing it with whole grain pasta can provide fiber, helping digestion and keeping you fuller for longer. Toss in some fresh parsley, and you’ve got a boost of vitamins A and C too!
Adaptable Variations for Dietary Needs
- Protein Swaps: If you’re not a fan of chicken or are looking for a lighter option, you can easily swap it for shrimp or even a plant-based protein like tofu.
- Pasta Alternatives: Prefer gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or even spiralized veggies, like zucchini or carrots, for a low-carb option.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers while cooking the chicken to add some color and extra nutrients.
Let’s Cook Some Garlic Butter Chicken!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for pasta)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or reserved pasta water (optional, to create a creamy pasta sauce)
- Lemon juice or zest (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook your spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta, but make sure to keep a little of that pasta water just in case you want to make your sauce creamier. Set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper for flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and hot, toss your seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Lay them out in a single layer and let them sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps create that delicious golden crust.
- After the chicken has developed a nice color, flip the pieces over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.
- Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring often to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Stir the garlic butter and chicken together, making sure the chicken is nicely coated in the aromatic mixture.
- Add your chopped parsley right in there and stir again. If you want to brighten it up a bit, feel free to squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl or pot, combine your cooked pasta with the remaining butter or a splash of heavy cream (or some reserved pasta water) and the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Toss it all until it’s all coated and creamy.
- To serve, plate the creamy pasta first and then top it with those lovely garlic butter chicken bites. Add a sprinkle of extra parsley if you like for that touch of freshness.
Practical Tips for Serving and Storing
- If you find yourself with leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my home!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a fun twist, try serving this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- If you’re making this for a special occasion, you can add more garnishes like cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It all enhances the presentation!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a handy list of equipment you’ll need for this recipe:
- A large pot for the pasta
- A colander to drain the pasta
- A large skillet for the chicken
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping
- A spatula for stirring and serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even flavors and cooking.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley can work as a substitute! Just reduce the amount to about a teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
- Is it okay to skip the pasta? Of course! You can serve the garlic butter chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or on its own for a low-carb meal.
- Can I prepare the chicken in advance? Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready to serve.
- What type of pasta works best? Any long pasta works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite shapes. Penne or fettuccine could be delicious, too!
Let’s Connect!
I hope you give this garlic butter chicken recipe a try because it’s such a delightful meal! Once you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more fun and simple recipes that bring both flavor and joy to your table!
