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Tender chicken chunks mixed with perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, smooth sauce. This fancy-looking meal uses basic items but creates a stunning dinner that's done in half an hour, making it great for both rushed evenings and fancy get-togethers.
We make this at my house about twice every month, and I'm always happy to cook it. When the smell of butter and garlic fills the kitchen, everyone shows up at the table before I've even finished cooking.
Must-Have Items
- Skinless chicken breasts: Pick fresh, same-sized pieces so they cook evenly and cut them into similar chunks.
- Good unsalted butter: This starts your sauce off right. European butter will make it extra rich.
- Real garlic bulbs: Get firm ones with no soft spots. Don't use the jarred stuff - it won't taste the same.
- Heavy cream: Go for the full-fat kind to get a velvety sauce that sticks to your pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Grab a block and grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor.
Cooking Steps
- Get Everything Ready:
- Cook pasta in very salty water until it's firm to the bite. Chop chicken into same-sized pieces. Crush fresh garlic for the strongest taste.
- Work Some Magic:
- Cook chicken in the garlic butter until it turns golden. Take chicken out so it stays juicy. Make your creamy sauce in the same pan.
- Bring It All Together:
- Mix the pasta with the parmesan cream. Put the chicken back in. Stir everything until each piece gets covered in sauce.
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I first made this when I was in cooking school, and it's still one of my favorites. The way the garlic butter makes the chicken crispy outside but keeps it moist inside is truly amazing.
Perfect Pairings
This rich pasta goes great with some crunchy oven-baked asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. For an extra treat, make some homemade garlic bread to soak up all that yummy sauce.
Fun Variations
Switch things up by using shrimp instead of chicken. Try adding cooked mushrooms and green peas for an earthy flavor, or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Saving Leftovers
Put any extras in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. When you heat it up again, add a little cream or saved pasta water to make the sauce smooth again. Warm it slowly on low heat, stirring now and then.
There's a good reason this garlic butter chicken pasta has become my go-to meal. The mix of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and thick, creamy sauce makes a memorable dinner that brings folks together. Whether you're feeding your family or having friends over, this meal will leave everyone feeling happy and satisfied with every bite.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other pasta types?
- For sure! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work fine. Just adjust cooking times as per the package.
- → How do I avoid a thick sauce?
- Save some pasta water. A splash of it can fix the texture if it gets too thick.
- → Can veggies be added here?
- Of course! Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli when cooking the chicken.
- → What’s a cream substitute?
- Half-and-half works alright! Add cream cheese if you want the sauce thicker.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Keep in the fridge up to three days. When reheating, add milk or water to loosen it on the stove or in the microwave.