Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this garlic-infused experience that will surely please your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
There are so many reasons to love this garlic butter chicken pasta. First, it’s a quick garlic butter chicken spaghetti recipe that can be made in just 30 minutes. Second, it’s incredibly satisfying with its rich flavors. Third, the combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible aroma in your kitchen. Additionally, it’s a family-friendly garlic butter chicken recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta types. Lastly, it’s a healthy meal option, especially if you use whole grain or gluten-free pasta!
Ingredients for Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
Gather these items:
- 300–350 g (≈ 10–12 oz) spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite‑sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional — for a little heat)
- ½ cup (approx.) chicken broth (or pasta water)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness)
How to Make Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Garlic‑Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — avoid burning the garlic. Pour in chicken broth (or a splash of pasta water) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the garlic-butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to melt and combine. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper). If desired — squeeze a bit of lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Step 6: Serve: Divide into plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- For a flavor boost, add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Serve with extra grated Parmesan for that cheesy goodness!
Best Ways to Serve Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread for a full Italian experience. For a comforting twist, you can serve it with butter garlic chicken noodles or even add grilled veggies for a healthy garlic butter chicken noodles option. A glass of white wine complements the meal perfectly!
How to Store and Reheat Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. This dish is great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti
What is garlic butter chicken spaghetti?
Garlic butter chicken spaghetti is a savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with spaghetti. This dish is a delicious combination of flavors that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why is garlic butter chicken so popular?
Garlic butter chicken is popular for its rich flavor profile and simplicity. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite among families and busy individuals seeking quick yet delicious recipes.
Can I make garlic butter chicken spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare garlic butter chicken spaghetti ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. Combine and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti You Can Try
There are numerous variations to explore! You can try adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a garlic butter chicken spaghetti with vegetables twist. For a creamier option, incorporate a splash of heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter chicken spaghetti. You might even consider a one-pot garlic butter chicken pasta version for easier cleanup!
Print
Garlic‑butter Chicken Spaghetti: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic‑Butter Chicken Spaghetti blends tender chicken, garlicky butter sauce, and al dente spaghetti into a comforting, flavorful pasta dish. It’s rich, savory, and surprisingly quick — perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 300–350 g (≈ 10–12 oz) spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite‑sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional — for a little heat)
- ½ cup (approx.) chicken broth (or pasta water)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Garlic‑Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — avoid burning the garlic. Pour in chicken broth (or a splash of pasta water) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the garlic-butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add Cheese & Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to melt and combine. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper). If desired — squeeze a bit of lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Serve: Divide into plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
