Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta

There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm pasta tossed in a rich, aromatic sauce. This Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta combines tender, golden chicken pieces with sweet green peas and curly fusilli, all coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce with a bright hint of lemon.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using curly pasta like fusilli or rotini, you ensure that the delicious garlic butter sauce and savory bits of Parmesan are caught in every twist and turn. It is a hearty main dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 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)

• 350 g (12 oz) curly pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 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 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

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

Step 3

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

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

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

Step 6

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

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, always reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining. When combined with the butter and Parmesan, it creates a silky emulsion that clings to the pasta. Additionally, ensure your garlic is minced finely but watch it closely in the pan; it should be fragrant and soft, not browned or burnt.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For an even quicker version, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the pasta water. You can also easily swap the standard pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary needs.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as a chilled Pinot Grigio, and a simple side salad.

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Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.

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Enjoy this flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta as a satisfying end to your day. With its balance of savory protein, sweet vegetables, and zesty sauce, it is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the cooking instructions as written. Frozen chicken can also be used but should be thawed first for even cooking.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Curly pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne work wonderfully as they hold the garlic butter sauce well. You can also use fettuccine or tagliatelle for a more elegant presentation.

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the pasta water in step 6. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to your desired consistency. You can also add a touch more butter for richness.

→ Is there a faster way to prepare this?

Absolutely. Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch, which saves about 10 minutes. You'll only need to shred or chop it and warm it through in the sauce.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty, sharp flavor. Asiago or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast or finely grated aged cheddar.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture. However, you can prepare individual components ahead: cook the pasta and chicken separately, then combine and finish the sauce just before serving.