Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta

Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta

4 servings
An ode to the olive that began my olive obsession: The Italian Castelvetrano 🫒 This Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta is not only the perfect main for your spring time dinner party, it can also be made quick enough for a delicious and filling weeknight dinner.   10

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb chicken breast

    cut into bite sized pieces

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 8 oz jar pitted italian castelvetrano olives

    drained & roughly chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 shallot

    chopped

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Zest & juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and do not rinse!

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until golden brown. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of olive oil and add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and butter to the pan. Once the butter is almost melted, add the shallot and garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute, then add the olives. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes and stir for another 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken, pasta, parsley, lemon juice and zest, and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, slowly adding pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time to help form a glossy sauce. You won’t need the full 1/2 cup, just stop once the pasta and sauce has reached your desired consistency.

  5. 5

    To serve, top with the toasted breadcrumbs, some more fresh parsley and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.

Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta

Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta

4 servings

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There's something magical about the simplicity of garlic and butter. These two humble ingredients, when paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender, seasoned chicken, create a symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting. This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a recipe that brings people together. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy date night at home, or a festive gathering, this dish always steals the spotlight. I first fell in love with this recipe on a chilly winter evening. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I knew I was on the brink of creating something special. The first bite was everything I’d hoped for: creamy, savory, and just a touch garlicky. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, loved by family and friends alike. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its charm! This recipe also holds a universal appeal. It takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, where garlic and butter have long been celebrated as the foundation of rich, indulgent sauces. Over time, variations of this recipe have emerged across the world, with each culture adding its unique twist. My version stays true to its roots while offering a few personal touches to make it extra special. What makes this dish even more delightful is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable, foolproof, and utterly delicious.

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About this Recipe

Looking for a pasta dish that feels elegant enough for a special occasion yet is quick enough for any weeknight? This Creamy Chicken & Castelvetrano Olive Pasta is precisely that, offering a delightful culinary escape with every forkful.

What makes this pasta truly special is the star ingredient: Castelvetrano olives. Known for their mild, buttery flavor and vibrant green hue, these Italian gems transform a simple chicken pasta into something truly memorable. The dish expertly balances rich, creamy textures with bright, briny notes, ensuring a satisfying and exciting eating experience.

Prepare to indulge in tender, bite-sized chicken pieces perfectly complemented by your pasta of choice, all enveloped in a luxurious, savory sauce. The Castelvetrano olives deliver a gentle pop of briny sweetness, while fresh parsley and lemon zest provide a vibrant counterpoint, cutting through the richness beautifully. A subtle warmth from red chili flakes adds just the right amount of intrigue, making this a balanced and comforting meal that still feels sophisticated.

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. While fettuccine is suggested, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. For a vegetarian twist, you could omit the chicken and boost the olive quantity or add some roasted cherry tomatoes. If Castelvetrano olives are hard to find, good quality green olives, though different in flavor profile, could be used in a pinch, but the unique buttery taste of the Castelvetranos truly shines here.

Perfect for a springtime dinner party or a comforting, filling weeknight meal, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Serve it as a stand-alone main course, perhaps with a simple green salad to complete the meal.

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