Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of freshness, you can finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives.

While not strictly necessary for the flavor, these herbs add a bright color contrast that makes the dish look even more appetizing. Always add fresh herbs at the very last second before serving to keep them vibrant and aromatic.

If you find the sauce is becoming too thick as it sits, simply stir in an extra splash of warm water. The pasta will naturally continue to absorb the sauce as it cools, so serving immediately is the best way to enjoy the ideal creamy texture. Keep the heat very low if you need to keep the dish warm for a few extra minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet when sautéing the garlic. This provides a gentle heat that cuts through the rich butter sauce and adds a lovely depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Sauté one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the chicken. The earthiness of the mushrooms complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly, adding a meaty texture and an extra layer of savory flavor to the finished pasta.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce as it warms up.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality.

When storing, try to keep the pasta and chicken submerged in as much sauce as possible to prevent the noodles from drying out while they are in the cold environment of the fridge.

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking, and toss with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Sear the chicken and store it separately. When ready to eat, make the sauce fresh and combine everything in the skillet to heat through.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish immediately in shallow bowls to help retain the heat. A wide bowl allows for easier tossing and ensures that every bite is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. The warmth of the bowl will keep the sauce creamy until the very last bite.

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

The acidity of a light vinaigrette on the side salad helps cut through the butter, making the meal feel more balanced. For a complete dining experience, serve with a piece of crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce in the bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the hot pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for at least 3 minutes.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the drained spaghetti, and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the glossy garlic butter sauce.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.