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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
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Equipment

  • - Large pot for boiling pasta
  • - Large skillet or pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Tongs or spatula
  • - Colander for draining pasta

Ingredients
  

  • #### For the Pasta
  • - 8 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
  • - Salt for boiling water
  • #### For the Chicken
  • - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • #### For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • - 4 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • - 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
  • - 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, for a creamier sauce
  • - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Pasta**
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  • **Cook the Chicken**
  • In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and bring to a gentle simmer. If using, add the heavy cream for a richer sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
  • **Combine Everything**
  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • **Serve**
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!