Save Tender chicken pieces, sweet peas, and al dente curly pasta are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce for a comforting, family-friendly meal. This Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying blend of savory and bright citrus flavors in just 35 minutes.
Save The key to this recipe is the curly pasta, like fusilli or rotini, which captures the glossy garlic butter sauce in its ridges. Freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley add the final layer of flavor to this hearty main dish.
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 (e.g., 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 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 Chicken
- While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Step 3: Sear 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: Make Sauce Base
- 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 Components
- Add peas and return chicken to the skillet. Stir to warm through, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Toss and Emulsify
- 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: Season
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8: Final Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, use a zester or microplane for the lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith. Using a large skillet and a wooden spoon or spatula allows you to toss the ingredients thoroughly without breaking the tender chicken or pasta curls.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred. For an even quicker version, substitute the chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. For extra richness, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream with the reserved pasta water.
Serviervorschläge
This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Always check ingredient labels for allergens, as this recipe contains wheat and milk (from butter and Parmesan), and may contain egg depending on your pasta choice.
Save Each serving of this Garlic Butter Chicken & Pea Pasta contains approximately 520 calories, 18 g total fat, 55 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein. Serve it hot for the best taste and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh chicken breasts work perfectly and may cook slightly faster. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before cooking in the skillet.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Curly pasta like fusilli or rotini is ideal as it catches and holds the garlic butter sauce beautifully. However, penne, fettuccine, or any medium-sized pasta will work well.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too heavy?
Use the reserved pasta cooking water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The starch in pasta water helps create a silky coating without excess oil. Avoid adding too much cream unless you prefer a richer version.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives. The lemon juice and zest will still provide bright, flavorful notes to the sauce.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the garlic butter and lemon flavors beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
- → How long does this keep as leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or pasta water to restore the sauce consistency.