Description
A rich and comforting dish blending tender chicken, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 300g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer, searing for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pasta water and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Add the chicken back in, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency with more pasta water, if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley or basil and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Notes
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! The starchy pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through. Overcooking will make it dry and chewy.
- Balance the Flavors: Use fresh garlic for boldness, lemon juice for brightness, and Parmesan for a rich finish. Adjust salt and pepper at every step to achieve the perfect taste!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins