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- Pasta choices: You can use penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Each brings a different texture. - Chicken preparation: Use two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thinly slice them for quick cooking. - Garlic and butter proportions: You will need four cloves of minced garlic and four tablespoons of unsalted butter. This mix creates a rich flavor. - Seasonings: Use one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs for a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, if you like. - Parmesan cheese details: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish's richness. Use about 1/4 cup for the best taste. - Fresh parsley and lemon zest: Roughly chopped fresh parsley adds color. Lemon zest brightens the dish and lifts the flavors. With these ingredients, you can make a dish that is quick, easy, and delicious. Each element plays a role in creating a meal you will love! To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is important for flavoring your pasta. Add 250g of your chosen pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and bubble. While the butter heats, slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly. Once the butter is ready, add the chicken slices to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once it’s done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate, leaving the tasty drippings in the skillet. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter. When the butter melts, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant and golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. This step adds a rich flavor to your dish. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the garlic and butter. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a creamy texture that clings to the pasta. After mixing in the pasta, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If you want some heat, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Also, add the zest of 1 lemon for a fresh flavor boost. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Toss everything together to combine well, allowing the cheese to melt slightly. Finally, taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. To serve, plate the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta and garnish it with fresh, roughly chopped parsley. You can also add more Parmesan cheese on top if you like. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy! To save time, prep your ingredients first. Slice the chicken and mince the garlic before cooking. This way, you can keep the flow going. One-pan cooking makes cleanup easy. You cook the chicken and sauce all in one pan. This cuts down on dishes and keeps flavors rich. Adjust spice levels to your taste. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For garlic lovers, don’t hold back. You can add extra minced garlic to boost flavor. The dried Italian herbs give a lovely aroma. Feel free to mix in fresh herbs if you have them. To get the right sauciness, use reserved pasta water. Start with a little and add more if needed. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. For a nice texture contrast, top your dish with crispy vegetables or toasted nuts. These add crunch and make each bite exciting. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. For a vegan option, you can use plant-based butter and cheese instead of dairy. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun. Consider using whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Whole grain adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Gluten-free options work well for those with dietary needs. You can also get creative with pasta shapes. Try farfalle for a fun twist or even use zoodles for a vegetable-based option. Adding vegetables can make the dish more vibrant. Spinach or bell peppers add color and nutrition. You can toss them in with the pasta for a pop of flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds zing. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can give it an extra kick, too. To keep your Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps reduce moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Heat on low and add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the pasta moist and helps it heat evenly. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta, and check often to prevent burning. For freezing, separate the pasta and sauce. This helps maintain the best texture when thawed. Use freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. To thaw, place the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if needed. This dish is quick. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. You can enjoy a tasty meal in just 20 minutes. Yes, you can! Feel free to swap out the pasta. Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli all work well. You can even try whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it when you're ready to eat. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh diced chili. A dash of hot sauce works well too! This dish pairs nicely with a simple salad or garlic bread. Steamed vegetables also make a great side. Consider a light white wine for a fancy touch! In this post, we covered how to make Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. We went over the key ingredients, like pasta and chicken, and flavor enhancers such as garlic and Italian herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining the pasta and chicken. Don’t forget the tips for variations and storage. These tips help you adapt the recipe to your taste. This dish is tasty, quick, and perfect for busy days. Enjoy creating your own version!

Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta that's quick and easy to make! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and rich butter, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Discover the step-by-step recipe to whip up this delightful meal in just 20 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe, and bring a taste of comfort to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

250g pasta (choose from penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

    Prepare the Chicken: In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the sliced chicken breast. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.

      Cook the Chicken: Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, leaving the pan drippings behind.

        Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter followed by the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and golden, being cautious not to let it burn.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter and gently toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If you find the mixture too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

            Mix with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it in with the pasta. If you're using red pepper flakes for heat, sprinkle them in now. Add the lemon zest to brighten the dish.

              Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.

                Final Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.

                  Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 mins | 20 mins | Serves 2-3