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Juicy chicken chunks with buttery garlic sauce paired with creamy pasta and parmesan create a mouthwatering combo. This fancy-looking meal uses basic ingredients for an amazing dinner that's done in half an hour – perfect for rushed weeknights or when you want to impress someone special.
We have this at our house at least twice every month, and I'm always happy to make it. When the butter and garlic smells start filling up the kitchen, everyone hangs around waiting even before I've finished cooking.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Skinless chicken breasts: Grab fresh pieces that are similar in size, then cut them into equal chunks.
- Good unsalted butter: This starts your amazing sauce. Try using fancy European butter for extra flavor.
- Whole garlic cloves: Find firm, unbruised ones. Don't use the jarred stuff - it won't taste the same.
- Heavy cream: Get the full-fat kind for a sauce that's super smooth and sticks to your pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Grab a block of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself for the best melt and taste.
Cooking Adventure
- Get Things Ready:
- Cook pasta in salty water until slightly firm. Chop chicken into similar bite-size chunks. Crush fresh garlic for the strongest taste.
- Work Some Kitchen Magic:
- Cook the chicken in garlicky butter until golden. Take chicken out so it stays juicy. Make your creamy sauce in the same pan.
- Bring It All Together:
- Mix pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce. Add chicken back in. Stir everything until each piece is completely covered.
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I first made this during my cooking classes years ago and it's still one of my favorites. There's something magical about how the garlic butter makes a golden outside on the chicken while keeping the inside super moist.
Perfect Side Dishes
This fancy pasta goes great with some crispy oven-roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. For an extra treat, add some homemade garlic bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
Change It Up
Try swapping the chicken for shrimp for a seafood version. Throw in some cooked mushrooms and green peas for an earthy flavor, or add some sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to give it a Mediterranean feel.
Saving Leftovers
Put any extra food in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a little cream or saved pasta water to make the sauce creamy again. Heat it slowly and stir it now and then.
This garlicky butter chicken pasta has become my go-to dish for good reason. The mix of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich creamy sauce makes everyone happy at mealtime. Whether you're feeding your family or having friends over, this dish will make everyone feel cozy and satisfied with every bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the pasta type?
- Sure! Use any shape like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Just follow the directions on the package.
- → What if the sauce turns too thick?
- Save a bit of pasta water before draining, then add it little by little to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I toss in some vegetables?
- Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are great options. Throw them in when cooking the chicken.
- → What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
- Half-and-half works fine but won’t be as rich. Add a dollop of cream cheese to thicken it if needed.
- → How should I store and reheat it?
- Put leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them on the stovetop or microwave, adding milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.