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- 250g pasta (your choice: penne, spaghetti, or fusilli) - 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon The first step to making Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is gathering your ingredients. Pasta is the base of this dish. You can use penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Each pasta type brings a unique texture and shape. Next, you need chicken. I prefer thinly sliced chicken breasts. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Butter and garlic are the stars of this dish. You will use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. - Red pepper flakes for heat - Variations using different herbs For those who like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. They give the dish warmth without overpowering it. You can also swap in fresh herbs. Consider using basil or parsley for a fresh twist. This adds more depth to the flavor. This simple list will set you up for a quick and tasty meal. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and more fun. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. This will help flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Don’t forget to save some pasta water! Take about half a cup and set it aside. The starchy water can help make your sauce creamy later. While the pasta cooks, take your two chicken breasts. Slice them thinly for even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often. Look for a golden-brown color and no pink inside. This means your chicken is done. Once cooked, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it with the garlic butter. If it looks dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This will help mix everything well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in red pepper flakes if you like heat. Add lemon zest for a fresh taste. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss everything to mix well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese if you want! To make your Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta really shine, adjust the seasoning. Taste your dish as you cook. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it. You can also add more herbs to enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring a bright taste. Dried herbs work well too. They add depth to the dish without extra work. Cooking can feel rushed, but multitasking helps. Start boiling your pasta as you prepare the chicken. This saves time and keeps things moving. You should also prepare your ingredients in advance. Chop your garlic and slice the chicken before you begin. This way, you can focus on cooking and enjoy the process. Plus, it makes everything easier when you are ready to cook! {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein in this dish, you have options. Shrimp or tofu work well. For shrimp, cook for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink. Tofu needs a bit more time, around 7-10 minutes, to get golden. Make sure to cut it into small cubes. If you follow a gluten-free diet, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook just like regular pasta. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can still enjoy the rich flavors without the dairy. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed well to keep air out. This helps the pasta stay fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavor may fade. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of olive oil or more butter. This will help revive the flavors. This dish is quick and easy. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. So, you can have this meal ready in just 20 minutes! Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken earlier. Once cooked, you can store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat them up and mix with the garlic butter. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Cool it completely first. Then, store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm in a pan. Add a splash of pasta water to help it regain its creaminess. You learned how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, from ingredients to storage. We covered different pasta choices, chicken preparation, and optional spices. Remember to reserve pasta water for the perfect texture. Adjust flavors to fit your taste and try different proteins. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Try these tips and make it your own!

Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Create a deliciously quick meal with this Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta! In just 20 minutes, you'll whip up a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, savory garlic, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable for your taste. Ready to impress your family at dinner? Click through now to explore the full recipe and start cooking up this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

250g pasta (your choice: penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

      Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

        Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

          Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the pasta and combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

            Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the pasta. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, and add lemon zest for a fresh touch.

              Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss again to combine everything thoroughly.

                Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

                  Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional cheese if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 mins | 20 mins | Serves 2-3