Description
A rich and aromatic Italian main dish featuring buttery, garlic-infused chicken thighs tossed with starchy pasta. The single-pan method blends savory flavors with a creamy texture from reserved pasta water, offering a streamlined, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
1.2lb (550g) skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4 portions
6 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
12 oz pasta (any variety)
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions
Meanwhile, melt butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (seasoned with salt) and cook 5 minutes
Lift chicken and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to skillet fat and sauté 2–3 minutes until golden brown
Return chicken to skillet and cook 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken, reserve fried garlic
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss cooked pasta into skillet with chicken and garlic in pan. Add 1/3 cup reserved water to reach desired sauce consistency
Adjust seasoning and serve garnished with reserved fried garlic
Notes
Use clarified butter for high-heat searing
Salmon fillets can replace chicken for a seafood twist
For dairy-free: substitute butter with olive oil and ensure pasta is olive oil-cooked
Add Parmesan cheese (optional) only if vegetarian option
Reserving pasta water first ensures the sauce adheres perfectly
Let chicken rest 5 minutes for optimal moisture
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg