Brown butter combined chicken cooked to perfection with pasta in this recipe. This recipe is a game changer for many people with a sauce that is both nutty and creamy adding new heights to the dish.
PROCESS:
- First, let’s cook our pasta. In a large pot, boil water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later, use it to create a creamy sauce!
- Let’s move on to our chicken. In a bowl, mix together chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated
- In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once our chicken is cooked, add it to the sauce and stir well. Then, add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley and serve hot!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta:
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettucine, or linguine)
- 4 cups water
- Salt, for the boiling water
For the brown butter sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Brown Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-6 minutes).
Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the chopped onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the dried oregano, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 7: Add Chicken and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Cooking the butter to a golden-brown color is crucial. If you burn it, start again
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Throw in some cherry tomatoes or spinach to add some color and freshness to the dish.
- Pair long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine with light, oily sauces.
- Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh parsley and real Parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor out of your dish.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. Overcooking can make it mushy and unappetizing.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir well, to ensure every bite has a good balance of chicken, pasta, and sauce.
- Stir the sauce constantly while adding the garlic and chicken, to prevent burning and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can be added to the sauce to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Make sure to season the chicken evenly, so every bite is full of flavor.
