Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

$- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley - Zest of 1 lemon For this garlic butter chicken pasta, you need a few key items. First, you’ll want fettuccine pasta. It holds sauce well and has a nice bite. Next, pick up boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cook quickly and stay juicy. Butter is essential for that rich, creamy sauce. Use unsalted butter for more control over flavor. Garlic adds that classic taste we all love. Fresh garlic cloves are best, so grab a few. You need heavy cream to make the sauce creamy and smooth. Parmesan cheese gives it a rich, cheesy kick. Feel free to add optional ingredients for more flavor. Red pepper flakes bring heat if you like it spicy. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon zest brightens the dish, making it pop. With these ingredients, you’re ready to whip up a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook fettuccine, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine. Cook it until it's al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water is key for the sauce later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add the sliced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the last 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt before adding 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently. Whisk in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan until it melts. If the sauce is thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Next, toss in the drained fettuccine. Stir gently to coat everything well. Finally, add the zest of one lemon for a bright flavor. Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. To get the best texture for fettuccine, cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions closely. Remember to save some pasta water; it helps adjust the sauce later. When it comes to garlic, keep a close eye on it. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté it just until it smells great, about one minute. Stir it often to avoid burning. For a lovely presentation, serve the garlic butter chicken pasta in individual bowls or plates. Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. It gives a bright, zesty touch. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a nice twist. Try different herbs to find your favorite flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired consistency without losing flavor. Garnish with Care: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon zest not only adds color but also brightens up the rich flavors of the dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish healthier. Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. These options give you more fiber and nutrients. For the creamy sauce, you can choose low-fat cream. This way, you cut down on calories without giving up flavor. Want to switch things up? Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken. Both add great taste and cook quickly. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, mushrooms or tofu are excellent choices. They soak up the sauce and give you a hearty bite. Looking to boost the flavor? Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. They bring color and taste to your plate. You can also play with different cheese types. Try feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella for a fun twist. Each will change the dish in a tasty way. To store garlic butter chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat it, do so on low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often to avoid drying out. You can freeze garlic butter chicken pasta for up to three months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of water or cream to revive the sauce. Stir until warm and enjoy! Yes, you can prepare garlic butter chicken pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in a jar or container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat everything together. This way, the flavors stay fresh. Fettuccine is the star of this dish. Its flat shape holds the sauce well. You can use other types too. Linguine or spaghetti are good alternatives. Just ensure they cook to al dente for the best bite. To make garlic butter chicken pasta dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Use a dairy-free cheese or leave it out entirely. Replace butter with olive oil or a vegan butter. These changes keep the dish rich and tasty. This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread gives a nice touch too. Roasted vegetables are great for color and flavor. Choose sides that balance the richness of the pasta. This article covered how to create garlic butter chicken pasta, from ingredients to storage. We discussed key ingredients like fettuccine and chicken and shared step-by-step instructions for perfecting the dish. You learned about cooking tips, serving ideas, and how to customize flavors. Remember, variations like using different proteins or pasta types can make this dish your own. Enjoy making it today, and share it with friends for a delightful meal everyone will love!$

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, garlic, and a hint of lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is fully melted and frothy, add the sliced chicken strips and season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, introduce the minced garlic and, if you enjoy a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but be cautious not to let the garlic burn.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate a little of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Carefully toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the rich garlic butter sauce.
To enhance the flavors further, add the zest of lemon and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan and a lemon wedge for added freshness.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, pasta