Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Pappardelle
Ingredients
- 1½ poundschicken breast
- ·pappardelle pasta
- 4 tablespoonbutter
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ¾ cupdry white wine
- ¾ cupheavy cream
- ·parmesan cheese
- 4 sprigsfresh thyme
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ½lemon
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 garlic cloves.
- 02
Grate about 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
- 03
Pick leaves from 4 thyme sprigs (or measure 1 teaspoon dried thyme).
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pappardelle and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes (or per package directions). Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- 02
While pasta cooks, pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 03
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet and stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant (don't let it burn).
- 05
Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 06
Add heavy cream and fresh thyme sprigs. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
- 07
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Squeeze the lemon juice into the sauce.
- 08
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Top with grated parmesan and serve immediately.
Spice Tips
This dish is naturally mild and creamy. For warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. For herbaceous depth, try a small pinch of dried tarragon or oregano in the cream sauce.
Slice the cooked chicken before tossing with pasta if you prefer bite-sized pieces. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth. Pairs beautifully with a simple green salad.