Description
This Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a 30-minute comfort classic tender chicken, spaghetti, and a silky garlic butter sauce tossed with Parmesan. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and pure weeknight bliss.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces 226 g spaghetti
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 6 medium garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the Chicken: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Butterfly chicken breasts and coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: In a hot skillet, sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes until fragrant. Reserve half the garlic butter for serving.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss spaghetti in remaining garlic butter with ¼ cup Parmesan and ⅓ cup pasta water. Add more water if needed for a silky sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice chicken, arrange over pasta, drizzle with reserved garlic butter, and top with remaining Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a variation.
- Leftovers reheat best with a touch of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520