Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta

Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with this Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken pieces, sweet peas, and al dente curly pasta, all tossed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. It is a comforting, family-friendly meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a harmonious blend of savory and bright flavors.

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The secret to this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using fresh garlic and high-quality butter, you create a restaurant-quality sauce right in your own skillet. The curly pasta is the perfect vessel, as its ridges trap the glossy garlic butter and Parmesan, 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 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 a silky finish, ensure you add the pasta water gradually while tossing. The starch in the water emulsifies with the butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a light sauce that won't feel heavy or greasy. Always zest your lemon before juicing it to get the most aromatic oils into the dish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an even faster meal, you can substitute the chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken. This recipe is also highly adaptable to dietary needs; simply use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as preferred. If you want an extra rich and creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the pasta water in step 6.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta in warm bowls with a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty garlic bread and a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to complement the lemon and garlic profile.

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Whether you're looking for a reliable weeknight dinner or a simple dish to impress guests, this pasta recipe delivers every time. With its balanced nutrition and comforting flavors, it’s a meal that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy the hearty goodness of homemade Italian-inspired cooking!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work wonderfully. Add them in step 5 when you return the chicken to the skillet, giving them 1-2 minutes to warm through. Adjust timing if using larger fresh peas to ensure they're tender.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Curly shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle are ideal as they trap the garlic butter sauce beautifully. You can also use penne or tagliatelle, though avoid flat ribbons as they don't hold the sauce as well.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed. Medium-high heat creates a golden exterior while keeping the interior moist.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately while hot and creamy. However, you can prep ingredients the night before: season chicken, mince garlic, zest lemon, and measure Parmesan and herbs. Assemble everything just before serving.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino complement the lemon and garlic beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and Parmesan perfectly.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Mushrooms, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully. Add mushrooms with the garlic in step 4, or stir in asparagus and tomatoes with the peas. Keep cooking times brief to maintain texture.