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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: 30-Minute Flavor Bomb You’ll Crave

garlic butter chicken pasta
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A quick and flavorful garlic butter chicken pasta with burst cherry tomatoes and kale, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Toss chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until they blister and soften (some will burst).
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and sliced garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown). Add kale and toss 2–3 minutes until wilted and glossy.
  5. Add drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to coat the noodles and make it silky.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan (optional). Serve warm.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Optional toppings like Parmesan add extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, burst cherry tomato pasta, chicken spaghetti with kale, garlic chicken pasta, quick weeknight pasta dinner, one pan chicken pasta

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/garlic-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe/