Description
This garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta is the ultimate cozy dinner. Tender chicken is coated in rich, garlicky butter and paired with creamy parmesan pasta. A comforting, easy, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – 2 large breasts (around 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 4 cloves
- Butter (unsalted) – 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – 1 cup (about 100g)
- Pasta (any variety) – 8 oz (about 225g) (fettuccine or spaghetti preferred)
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper – to taste (approx. 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper)
- Lemon juice (optional) – 1 tablespoon (for a hint of freshness)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Save a bit of pasta water for later, then drain.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Thicken slightly, adding pasta water for desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen.
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Serve and Garnish: Slice chicken into strips and place over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect tenderness.
- Flavor boost: Add white wine after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce before adding cream for an extra depth of flavor.
- Cheese tip: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg