Garlic-Butter Chicken Spaghetti – Spaghetti tossed with garlic-butter chicken and crunchy breadcrumbs
On a chilly evening during my college days, I found myself craving something warm, savory, and soul-satisfying. With just some leftover spaghetti, chicken, butter, and garlic on hand, I accidentally created what would become my all-time favorite dish: Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti. I tossed everything together with crispy breadcrumbs, and to my surprise, it tasted like something straight out of a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ever since then, Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti has been my go-to comfort meal. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or lazy Sundays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavors: The garlic-butter sauce adds irresistible depth and comfort.
- Crunchy Texture: Breadcrumbs on top give a delicious crispy finish.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—simple ingredients, bold taste.
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- Spaghetti: Acts as the perfect base to soak up the garlicky butter sauce.
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that’s juicy when pan-seared and complements the buttery flavors.
- Garlic: The star of the show—fragrant, savory, and essential for depth of flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted to golden perfection for added crunch and contrast.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty boost and ties the whole dish together.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
Step-by-Step Process (Summary):
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and butter to the pan, letting the garlic infuse the butter.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti and chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately, then sprinkle on top before serving.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
- Add chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
- Substitute pasta: Penne or fettuccine also work well.
- Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms enhance the dish.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese for a richer version.
Nutritional Information:
This dish provides a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats. Chicken offers lean protein, garlic supports heart health, and whole-grain spaghetti can add fiber when used.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Garlic-Butter Chicken Spaghetti
Spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with tender chicken and crispy golden breadcrumbs—this comforting, easy-to-make dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and loved by the whole family.
- Skillet
- Pot
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Small pan
- Grater
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 2 Chicken breasts – boneless (skinless, cut into strips)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 Garlic cloves – minced
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs – toasted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley – chopped (optional)
- 1/4 tsp Chili flakes – optional (for heat)
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.
- Make Garlic-Butter Sauce:
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Toss cooked spaghetti and chicken into the skillet. Mix well to coat with garlic-butter sauce.
- Toast Breadcrumbs:
- In a small pan, toast breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil until golden and crispy.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Top pasta with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Add chili flakes if desired.
You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for more nutrients.
Whole-grain or gluten-free pasta can be substituted.
Adjust garlic to your taste—more for stronger flavor, less for milder.
Additional Tips:
- Toast breadcrumbs with a touch of olive oil and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; sear until just golden and juicy inside.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- For extra garlic kick, add a touch of garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.
FAQs:
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine or tagliatelle can also be used.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
4. How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas instead.
Conclusion:
Garlic-Butter Chicken Spaghetti is a flavor-packed, comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again. 🍝💛 Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment and share your twist on it!
