Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta

Experience the ultimate comfort of Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta. This family-friendly meal features tender chicken pieces, vibrant sweet peas, and al dente curly pasta, all brought together in a glossy, rich garlic butter sauce. With a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, it's a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Merken

This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The curly pasta is the perfect vessel for capturing the cheese and butter, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional).
• Pasta & Vegetables: 350 g (12 oz) curly pasta (fusilli or rotini), 1 cup frozen peas (thawed), 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add peas and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to warm through for about 1 minute.

Step 6: Toss and Emulsify

Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce lightly and glossily coats the pasta.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure to reserve that pasta water; it is the key to achieving a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. If you find the pasta is soaking up the sauce too quickly, add a bit more water or a touch of olive oil before serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an even richer experience, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the pasta water. If you are short on time, substitute the chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken. You can also easily swap the standard pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio and perhaps a side of garlic bread to soak up any remaining butter sauce.

Merken

With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta is destined to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory chicken and zesty pasta in every mouthful!