Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender chicken breasts with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner in about 45 minutes, blending Italian seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to soften slightly, blending their sweetness into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes on top if using. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
