Recipe Description

Indulge in this creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors and easy preparation.

Full Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Full Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. **Boil Water**: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

2. **Cook the Pasta**: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).

3. **Reserve Pasta Water**: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

4. **Drain and Set Aside**: Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Chicken

5. **Season the Chicken**: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

6. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

7. **Cook the Chicken**: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

8. **Remove and Rest**: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

9. **Slice the Chicken**: Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

10. **Melt the Butter**: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt and bubble, scraping up any browned bits.

11. **Add Garlic**: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

12. **Pour in Chicken Broth**: Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

13. **Add Heavy Cream**: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

14. **Incorporate Parmesan**: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

15. **Add Cherry Tomatoes**: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Combining Everything

16. **Add the Pasta**: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.

17. **Mix in Chicken**: Gently fold in the sliced chicken.

18. **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

19. **Garnish and Serve**: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

– Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist.
– For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
– This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Yield

Serves 4-6 people