Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for the Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ve just landed on pure weeknight dinner gold! Imagine tender, garlicky chicken nestled atop twirls of spaghetti coated in a luscious butter-garlic sauce — simple, satisfying, and absolutely full of flavor. This is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing meals you’ll turn to again and again (and keep dreaming about in between!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about a recipe that transforms pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into a meal you’ll crave over and over. Every component in this Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a starring role — from the juicy chicken to the fragrant garlic, each ingredient brings something special to the table.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation for succulent, juicy bites—the filet method ensures quick, even cooking and maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: Not only does it help the seasonings adhere, but it also delivers gorgeous browning and subtle richness.
• Dried Parsley Flakes & Garlic Powder: These pair up for bold, herby notes to layer extra dimension into both chicken and pasta.
• Fine Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper: A must for seasoning your chicken just right—don’t be shy with these!
• Spaghetti: Twirlable, satisfying, and perfect for soaking up every drop of garlic butter sauce. Feel free to swap in another long pasta shape if you’d like.
• Salted Butter: The key to that golden, glossy sauce—don’t skimp here!
• Fresh Garlic (minced): Six cloves may seem bold, but it’s just right for real flavor that isn’t overwhelming.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts dreamily into the sauce, with extra for the grand finale.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of color and a gentle, fresh lift to finish the dish beautifully.

Variations

The beauty of the Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—swapping, adding, or dialing flavors up or down according to cravings or dietary needs!

• Add Veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or peas can be stirred into the pasta for extra color, fiber, and flavor.
• Go Spicy: Crushed red pepper flakes bring gentle heat—add with the garlic or sprinkle on at the end for a little kick.
• Try a Protein Swap: Slice up some cooked sausage, use shrimp, or even make the dish vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms for a twist.
• Lighter Version: Use less butter and sub in chicken broth for some of the sauce base if you want a lighter feel (but still crave the garlic goodness).

How to Make Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, even filets (cutting them in half horizontally works wonders here). This not only helps them cook faster, but every bite ends up perfectly seasoned. Toss the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece is fully coated in that aromatic blend. Let it hang out while you get everything else underway—it’ll only get more flavorful!

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package—this is usually 8–11 minutes. Don’t forget to scoop out a full cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s crucial for making your sauce silky and restaurant-worthy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Grab your favorite large nonstick skillet and heat it to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken filets in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and foil-cover it to keep it juicy while you build the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low, then toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for a couple minutes—you’re after fragrance, not browned garlic here. Scoop out half the garlic butter to reserve for drizzling over the finished dish.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish the Dish

To the garlicky skillet, add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat every strand in flavor. Sprinkle in half the parmesan and about a third of your reserved pasta water. Toss and add more water just a splash at a time until the sauce clings lightly but stays silky. Finally, slice the chicken into strips and arrange it either atop or alongside the pasta. Drizzle with the extra garlic butter, shower with the rest of the parmesan, a bit of fresh parsley, and a crack of black pepper for that irresistible finish!

How to Serve Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley elevate the look and taste of your plate. For a final flourish, add a few grinds of black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper—these little extras make each bite pop with flavor and freshness.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a loaf of warm, crusty bread for sopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies (think broccoli, asparagus, or green beans) are also lovely for extra color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests using a carving fork, then fan out the chicken slices on top. Serve in shallow bowls with a swirl of garlic butter and a bright dusting of parsley for restaurant flair. Or go family-style, piling everything onto a big platter at the center of the table for everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep everything at its best, store the chicken and pasta separately, if possible, so the pasta doesn’t over-absorb the sauce.

Freezing

While the chicken freezes beautifully, creamy garlic-butter sauces can sometimes break after freezing. If you do want to freeze, let everything cool completely and place in freezer-safe containers, then reheat gently with a splash of extra water or broth to revive the sauce’s texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add pasta and chicken to a skillet over medium-low heat with a spoonful of water or chicken broth, tossing gently until heated through and saucy again. Microwaving works, too—just cover and use short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave comforting, flavor-packed pasta but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, the Best Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to become your new secret weapon. I can’t wait for you to enjoy all the cozy garlic-butter goodness — let me know how you make it your own!

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