I love making this garlic butter chicken pasta when I want a comforting meal that feels rich but not heavy. I combine juicy, well-seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and coat everything in a garlicky butter sauce with a touch of Cajun spice. It is one of those recipes I rely on when I want big flavor with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients that I usually have on hand. I enjoy how flavorful the sauce is without using cream, and I appreciate that I can easily keep it gluten-free and dairy-free. It is filling, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 stick dairy-free butter, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried shallots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions
I start by boiling the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente. I drain it well and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, I cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
I mix the salt, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl, then I sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and stir until everything is evenly coated.
I heat the garlic olive oil and lemon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the chicken and cook it for about 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through. I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
I reduce the heat to medium-low and add the dairy-free butter and dried shallots to the skillet. Once the butter melts, I stir in the remaining salt, black pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. I add the lemon juice and chicken broth and stir until the sauce is smooth. If I want a thicker sauce, I mix the cold water and cornstarch together and stir it into the pan.
I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce. I return the chicken to the pan, stir carefully, and let everything warm through before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 6 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking takes another 10 minutes, and the total time is around 20 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes leave out the Cajun seasoning when I want a milder flavor. If I do not have flavored olive oils, I use regular olive oil and add a little extra lemon juice and garlic. I also like adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and hearty.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. If the pasta seems dry, I add a small splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
I make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter, and the flavor is still rich and buttery.
Is this garlic butter chicken pasta gluten-free?
I keep it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?
I cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking it once it is added to the sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta?
I can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, although I prefer the texture when it is freshly made.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
I usually serve it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal balanced.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this garlic butter chicken pasta because it is quick, flavorful, and easy to adapt. It is a reliable recipe that gives me a comforting, homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting dish made with tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a flavorful, dairy-free garlic butter sauce with Cajun spice. It’s an easy weeknight meal packed with flavor and simple ingredients.
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
For the pasta and chicken:
12 oz gluten-free spaghetti
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic olive oil
1 tbsp lemon olive oil
For the garlic butter sauce:
1 stick dairy-free butter, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp dried shallots
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
For thickening (optional):
1 tbsp cold water
1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Mix salt, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken evenly.
Heat garlic and lemon olive oils in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add dairy-free butter and dried shallots to the skillet. Once butter melts, stir in salt, pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Simmer until smooth.
Mix water and cornstarch (if using) and stir into sauce to thicken.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return chicken to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined and warmed through.
Notes
Use regular olive oil if flavored oils aren’t available—just add more lemon juice and garlic to taste.
Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Omit or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder version.
