Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy dinner recipe combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy garlic butter sauce, pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes. This comforting meal features a savory blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
Vegetables and Garnish
- 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: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta as well, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using) over the dish. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose your favorite pasta shape; the sauce pairs well with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook just until fragrant.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but adds a pleasant heat to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
