Imagine a dish that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of perfectly seared chicken, the creamy indulgence of garlic butter sauce, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. This Garlic Chicken Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. With just 30 minutes between you and dinner perfection, get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken breast slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add butter to the skillet and melt completely, creating a rich garlic butter sauce. Swirl the pan to combine garlic and melted butter.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with garlic butter sauce.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to combine with chicken and garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky texture.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never discard all your pasta water! The starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every single noodle.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic on medium-low heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter. 30-45 seconds is your sweet spot.
- Seasoning Technique: Season your chicken before cooking and taste the final dish, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley if possible—it adds a bright, fresh note that dried herbs can't match.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately on warm plates to keep the sauce smooth and prevent cooling too quickly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 501kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 100mg
