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- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 2 cups chicken breast, diced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, tightly packed - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish When I cook Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, I love using fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. The chicken breast adds protein and is easy to cook. Butter gives the sauce a rich taste. I often use fettuccine or spaghetti. Both types hold the sauce well. I find that cherry tomatoes add sweetness. They burst and mix well with the garlic. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrients to the dish. Red pepper flakes add a kick, but I skip them sometimes. I prefer to let the other flavors shine. Always taste your food and adjust salt and pepper. For toppings, I sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. It adds a nice salty touch. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and look pretty. Choosing good ingredients makes a big difference in taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook fettuccine or spaghetti until al dente. - Reserve pasta water and drain. Cooking the pasta is the first step. I like to use a large pot. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. Remember to save some pasta water for later. - Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet. - Cook diced chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. - Set chicken aside. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure it cooks all the way through. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and set it aside. - Sauté minced garlic in remaining butter until fragrant. - Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté until they burst. - Incorporate spinach and optional red pepper flakes. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter. Once it melts, add minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them until they burst and soften. Finally, add fresh spinach and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. - Return chicken to the skillet and mix. - Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water. - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste. It’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently with tongs. This helps the pasta soak up all the flavors. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. - Plate in warm bowls. - Garnish with basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the dish in warm bowls. This keeps it cozy and inviting. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese if you want more flavor. Enjoy your garlic butter chicken pasta! To cook pasta al dente, boil a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to your pasta. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and stir. Follow the package time, but check it a minute early. The pasta should be firm yet tender. Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps the sauce stick later. For chicken, season it well. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will bring out the chicken's flavor. Sear the chicken until golden brown. This adds a nice crust and flavor. To adjust spice levels, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch if you are unsure. You can always add more if you like heat. To add more veggies, think of options like bell peppers or zucchini. These can sauté with the tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. For a great plate, use warm bowls. This keeps the pasta hot longer. Twirl the pasta on a fork for a nice look. Garnish ideas go beyond basil. Use chopped parsley for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it pop. A slice of lemon on the side adds a nice color and scent. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste and nutrition. Tip Title: Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining! The starchy water helps to create a creamy sauce that adheres beautifully to the pasta. Tip Title: Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add them gradually to taste, ensuring you achieve your desired heat level. Tip Title: Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked through by cutting it into small, uniform pieces. This helps in even cooking and prevents dry chicken in your pasta. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. If you use shrimp, cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns pink. For tofu, cube it and sauté until golden brown. This change keeps the dish exciting and adds new flavors. Adjust your cook times based on the protein. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu may need a bit longer to absorb flavors. Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier choice. Whole wheat adds fiber, while gluten-free options suit those with dietary restrictions. You can also try different shapes like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold sauce well and add a fun twist to your dish. Experimenting with pasta can truly change your meal. Adding lemon zest gives your dish a bright taste. This zing complements the garlic and butter perfectly. You can also try herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. Spices like smoked paprika can deepen the taste. Mixing in different herbs or spices lets you create your own version of this delightful dish. To store leftover garlic butter chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When choosing containers, use glass or plastic ones that are safe for the fridge. This helps prevent any unwanted odors and maintains the taste. I like using clear containers so I can see what's inside. If you want to freeze portions, start by letting the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into single servings. Place each serving in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps you grab a meal quickly later. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it’s time to reheat, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking and drying out. This way, your pasta stays creamy and delicious. You can use shrimp, tofu, or turkey. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu offers a great vegetarian option. If you choose turkey, pick lean ground turkey for a healthy twist. Adjust cooking times for each protein. Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. Absolutely! Portion the pasta into containers. Add chicken and sauce to each. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the portions. Just remember to leave out fresh herbs until you serve. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. All these veggies work well in garlic butter chicken pasta. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding chicken. This keeps them crisp and flavorful. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat, adding a splash of water. This helps keep the pasta moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but add a bit of water to prevent drying. This blog post shared a simple and tasty garlic butter chicken pasta recipe. You learned about essential ingredients, like chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies. I offered tips for cooking, flavor, and presentation. You also found variations to make the dish your own. Finally, I provided storage info and answered common questions. Try this recipe next time you cook. Enjoy a delicious meal that is easy and fun!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish with chicken, garlic, and butter, topped with fresh spinach and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 2 cups chicken breast, diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, tightly packed
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Once the butter is sizzling, add the diced chicken breast. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt and become bubbly. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to burst and soften, releasing their juices.
  • Incorporate the spinach leaves along with the optional red pepper flakes, sautéing until the spinach is wilted and well mixed.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then gently combine all the ingredients. Add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to help marry the flavors together. Use tongs to toss the mixture carefully, ensuring the pasta gets well coated.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you find the pasta mixture appears dry, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Serve immediately, plated in warm bowls and garnished with fresh basil leaves. If desired, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

Add more pasta water if the mixture is too dry.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, pasta, quick meal