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An overhead close-up shot of garlic butter chicken pasta in a skillet, showcasing the creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: The 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight meal. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a luscious, creamy garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and fresh parsley for a dish the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Tip 1: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Tip 2: Don't skip reserving the pasta water; it's the secret to a perfect sauce consistency.
Tip 3: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.