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Here's my family's favorite chicken pasta dinner. I cut the chicken small so it gets perfectly golden in garlicky butter while staying super juicy inside. The pasta needs just the right touch not too soft. My creamy sauce comes together with fresh cream and loads of parmesan until it's silky smooth. Once you mix those buttery chicken bits with the pasta and sauce, magic happens. Top with fresh herbs and extra cheese if you're feeling fancy. Takes me just 30 minutes to whip up, but everyone thinks I've been cooking all day. Little tip save some pasta water, it makes the sauce perfect. Makes enough to feed my hungry crew with some for tomorrow's lunch box.
The Best Butter Garlic Chicken with Cheesy Pasta
You've got to try this dinner it's become my go-to when I want something special but don't have hours to cook. The chicken gets all golden and garlicky, then snuggles into pasta covered in the creamiest cheese sauce ever. Everyone thinks I've spent forever in the kitchen but it's actually so quick.
What Makes This So Good
I love how everyday ingredients turn into something that tastes so fancy. The garlic butter chicken and cheesy pasta come together so fast perfect for those nights when I'm running late but still want to put something yummy on the table. Sometimes I switch up the pasta shape or add a squeeze of lemon. Works great for dinner parties or just cozy nights with the family.
Shopping List
- Chicken: Nice bite-sized chunks
- Olive Oil: For getting that chicken golden
- Butter: Lots for chicken and sauce
- Garlic: Fresh chopped works best
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to taste
- Italian Herbs: Makes everything better
- Parsley: Fresh and green
- Pasta: Whatever shape you love
- Heavy Cream: For that rich sauce
- Parmesan: Freshly grated please
- Chicken Broth: Adds extra flavor
- Extra Garlic Butter: Because why not
Let's Cook
- Get Your Pasta Going: Start your water boiling, add plenty of salt, then your pasta. Cook until it's just right.
- Cook That Chicken: Get your big pan hot with oil. Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they're golden and gorgeous. Season them up with salt, pepper and herbs.
- First Butter Bath: Drop butter and garlic in with the chicken. Let it get all melty and coat every piece.
- Make Your Sauce: In another pan, get butter and garlic going. Pour in your cream and broth. Add cheese and stir until it's thick and dreamy.
- Bring It All Together: Toss your pasta with that amazing sauce. Top with your chicken bits. Sprinkle with parsley and maybe some extra garlic butter because more butter is always good.
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Make Your Chicken Perfect
I always cut my chicken pieces about the same size so they cook evenly. You want them brown and crispy outside but still juicy when you bite in. Those Italian herbs really make it taste like something from my favorite restaurant.
Get That Sauce Right
Take your time letting the butter melt with the garlic it really brings out all the flavor. This sauce makes everything it touches taste incredible. I always save a little extra to drizzle on top at the end makes the whole dish shine.
Perfect Pasta Tips
The pasta gets wrapped in this luxurious sauce made from cream, butter, broth and lots of cheese. Everything comes together into this velvety coating that hugs every bite of pasta perfectly.
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extras in a container with a good lid and keep them in the fridge they'll stay yummy for a couple days. When you're ready to eat, warm everything up slowly and maybe add a little splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. Almost as good as when you first made it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best pasta shape for this dish?
- Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works great because it holds the creamy sauce well. The flat noodles give more surface area for the sauce to cling to.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Chicken thighs work great and stay even juicier than breasts. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and cook them the same way.
- → How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
- Save some pasta water before draining. You can add a splash if the sauce gets too thick, and the starchy water helps it stay smooth.
- → Will half and half work instead of heavy cream?
- Half and half makes a thinner sauce that might not coat as well. If using it, you might need to cook it down longer or add more cheese to thicken.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- The chicken and sauce can be made ahead. Just reheat gently and toss with fresh cooked pasta when ready to serve.