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Chicken Garlic Butter Pasta

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Pasta
  • 1 large chicken breast Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 8 ounces of spaghetti Pasta fettuccine, penne, or another pasta you like.
  • 1 tablespoon for cooking the chicken Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper Season the chicken to taste.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons for a rich garlic butter flavor Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced.
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta water Reserve about ½ cup before draining the pasta.
  • 1 teaspoon for a simple herb flavor Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes Optional if you want a little heat.
  • Fresh parsley Optional for serving.

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  3. Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  5. Set the chicken aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it nearby.
  6. Melt the butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter.
  7. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring often. Do not let the garlic become dark or bitter.
  8. Add the seasoning: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss it through the garlic butter.
  10. Add pasta water: Pour in a small splash of reserved pasta water and toss again. Add more as needed until the butter creates a smooth coating around the pasta.
  11. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss until it melts into the sauce.
  12. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
  13. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, black pepper, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if needed.
  14. Finish the pasta: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
  15. Serve: Serve immediately while the garlic butter sauce is warm and glossy.