Description
This easy chicken pasta recipe (no cream!) is your go-to for a light yet indulgent dinner. With juicy seared chicken, garlicky white wine sauce, and perfectly cheesy pasta, it’s a one-pan wonder ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 – 2 chicken breasts (or thighs, see notes)
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
200 grams dried pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine work best (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
For the sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic finely sliced
½ cup white wine I used a sauvignon blanc
70 grams cold butter cut into four cubes
½ teaspoon black pepper
60 grams parmesan very finely grated
½ cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
salt to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. -
Prep the Chicken
Flatten the chicken to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dust with flour. -
Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in olive oil for about 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Wrap lightly in foil and set aside to rest. -
Infuse the Garlic Oil
In a clean skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Start from cold and heat gently to infuse flavor, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. -
Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in white wine and let it simmer gently for about 4 minutes, reducing by half. -
Incorporate Butter
Lower heat and whisk in butter cubes one at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. -
Finish the Sauce
Add ¼ cup pasta water and whisk vigorously to emulsify. Stir in black pepper. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Spread into a flat layer and sprinkle parmesan over the top. Let it melt for 1 minute, then toss to create a glossy finish. -
Serve
Mix in parsley, season to taste, and top with sliced chicken and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Butter Sauce Tip: Use cold butter for proper emulsification. If it’s too warm, the sauce may break.
Wine Substitute: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to skip wine.
Pasta Water Magic: This starchy liquid helps bind and thicken your sauce—don’t skip it!
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg