Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Weeknight dinners at my house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Trying to balance something quick, healthy-ish, and – most importantly – universally loved by everyone from my picky-eater toddler to my discerning spouse is no easy feat. That’s why discovering this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti recipe felt like striking gold! From the moment the aroma of garlic and butter started wafting through the kitchen, I knew we were onto a winner. And let me tell you, the taste lived up to the hype! Creamy, garlicky, and with perfectly cooked chicken nestled amongst a bed of comforting spaghetti – it was an instant hit. Even my toddler, who usually approaches new dishes with suspicion, devoured a whole bowlful. Clean plates all around, happy smiles, and requests to make it again next week? This Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti has officially earned a permanent spot in our family’s dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make, look no further. This is it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti. We focus on fresh, quality ingredients to elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

• Spaghetti: The foundation of our dish! One pound of dried spaghetti pasta. You can use regular or whole wheat depending on your preference.
• Chicken Breasts: The protein powerhouse. About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
• Butter: The key to richness and flavor! One cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Butter is what creates that luscious, creamy sauce.
• Garlic: The star aromatic! 8-10 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic – it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor. Freshly minced is always best for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce. 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Heavy Cream: For ultimate creaminess! 1 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce incredibly rich and decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, cheesy goodness. 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended for the best flavor and melting.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs for aromatic complexity. 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. This adds a lovely herbaceous note to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat. ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or more to taste. Adjust to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
• Fresh Parsley: For freshness and garnish. ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings. To taste. Season generously to enhance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Follow these detailed instructions to create a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti right in your own kitchen. Each step is designed to ensure flavorful chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente – tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This prevents mushy pasta in the final dish. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce cling to it.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when sautéing. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Even seasoning at this stage is key to flavorful chicken.
3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt half of the butter (½ cup) over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, if possible. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter (½ cup) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Fragrant garlic is the foundation of the delicious sauce.
5. Build the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are called fond and are packed with flavor. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cheese is melted and smooth. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Heat through for a minute or two until the chicken is warmed.
7. Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout. Ensure every strand of spaghetti is lovingly coated in the flavorful sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti!

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti (Per Serving)

This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It is calculated per serving and based on approximately 6 servings from the recipe.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: 650-750 kcal
• Fat: 40-50g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and measurements.

Preparation Time Breakdown

This Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes. This includes cutting the chicken into pieces, mincing the garlic, chopping parsley, and grating Parmesan cheese. Efficient prep work streamlines the cooking process.
• Cook Time: 25 minutes. This includes cooking the spaghetti, sautéing the chicken, and making the garlic butter sauce. The dish comes together quickly on the stovetop.
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Garlic Bread: A natural pairing! Serve with crusty garlic bread or garlic knots for dipping in the creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
  • Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side.
• Garnishes to Enhance Flavor and Presentation:
  • Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese: Always offer extra grated Parmesan cheese for those who want even more cheesy goodness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, offer extra red pepper flakes at the table.
  • Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
• Make it a Feast:
  • Appetizer: Start with a simple Caprese salad or bruschetta.
  • Dessert: Follow up with a light dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or fresh fruit.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Here are eight helpful tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti is a resounding success every time:

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Sauté them just until cooked through and lightly browned. They will continue to cook slightly when added back to the sauce. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for this dish. Jarred pre-minced garlic can lack the same intensity. Take the extra minute to mince fresh garlic for a significant flavor boost.
3. Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much smoother and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded Parmesan. Invest in a block of Parmesan and a grater for superior results.
4. Adjust the Garlic to Your Preference: This recipe calls for 8-10 cloves of garlic, but you can adjust this amount to your liking. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add even more!
5. Spice it Up or Tone it Down: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, omit them entirely. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
6. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables to add nutrients and color. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic or chicken.
7. Make it Creamier: For an even richer and creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce along with the heavy cream.
8. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, cook the spaghetti, and combine everything. This can save time on busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti:

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use other long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini. Penne or rotini would also work well if you prefer shorter pasta shapes. Choose a pasta that you enjoy and that holds sauce well.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and consider adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider adding cannellini beans or chickpeas.

Q3: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While you can use milk, the sauce will be significantly less creamy and rich. Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its signature luxurious texture. If you must substitute, use whole milk for the best results, but be aware the sauce will be thinner. You could also try using half-and-half for a slightly lighter but still creamy option.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Q5: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti?
A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter the texture of the sauce and pasta. However, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but stirring well while reheating can help to bring it back together.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free spaghetti for regular spaghetti. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, particularly the chicken broth if you are using a pre-made broth.

Q7: What can I add to make it more flavorful?
A: There are several ways to boost the flavor! Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for brightness, a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, or a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic for depth. Sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts also add a lot of flavor.

Q8: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti is generally very kid-friendly! The creamy, cheesy sauce and mild flavors are often appealing to children. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to ensure it’s not too spicy for younger palates. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces also makes it easier for kids to eat.

Enjoy making and sharing this incredibly delicious and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Print