The Juiciest Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta delivers pure comfort.

Tender chicken breasts sizzle in a rich, golden butter sauce that whispers culinary magic.

Fragrant garlic and zesty lemon create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

The parmesan-coated pasta provides a luxurious backdrop to perfectly seasoned chicken.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of crisp and smooth textures that will make taste buds sing.

Weeknight monotony doesn’t stand a chance against this restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a dinner that transforms an ordinary evening into a delectable celebration.

Why Garlic Chicken With Lemon Pasta Is Irresistible

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner in under half an hour with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combines the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with zesty garlic butter chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that satisfies both protein and pasta lovers.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for other proteins, adjusting seasonings, or adding vegetables to make it your own signature meal for any occasion.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses the same skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining pasta, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken and Pasta

• Chicken: Tender meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Linguine: Classic pasta shape with smooth texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Flavor-boosting ingredients for the chicken.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy additions for depth of flavor.

• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredient that adds warmth and depth.

• Lemon, Lemon Zest, Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh elements for balanced taste.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with a delicious blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Make sure each piece gets a generous coating of these flavor-packed spices.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes.

Stir occasionally to ensure each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks completely through.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Lemon

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, introduce minced garlic, bright lemon zest, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Let the chicken dance in these zesty flavors for 1-2 minutes, absorbing all the aromatic goodness.

Transfer the chicken to a side plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the linguine and cook according to package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out about ¼ cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will come in handy later.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.

Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder, whisking until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked linguine to the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Toss and coat every single strand until the pasta glistens with sauce.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Artfully arrange the saucy pasta on plates and crown it with the garlic butter chicken.

Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-quality touch.

Pro Tips for Flavorful, Creamy Pasta

• Toast the Italian seasoning in the butter before adding chicken to release its aromatic oils and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat every time.
• Save and use pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce cling better and create a silkier, more cohesive final dish with perfect consistency.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, and use lactose-free cream and cheese for alternative dietary requirements.
• Prep chicken and measure ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and streamline the entire meal preparation process.

How to Store and Enjoy the Pasta Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and pasta separate to prevent soggy noodles.
• Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before sealing and placing in the refrigerator.
• Consume refrigerated chicken and pasta within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Microwave pasta separately in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, and add a little water or cream to restore sauce texture.

What to Pair With Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter and complements the bright lemon notes.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a wheat beer or light pale ale with citrusy undertones that will enhance the dish's lemony brightness and balance the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Refreshing Cocktail Match: Prepare a classic gin and tonic with a lemon twist, which mirrors the recipe's zesty profile and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the rich, buttery chicken and pasta.
• Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Mix a sparkling lemonade with fresh herbs like basil or mint, offering a tangy and aromatic drink that echoes the dish's vibrant flavor profile.

Different Ways to Serve This Pasta Dish

• Gluten-Free Haven: Replace regular linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash, creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that keeps the delicious sauce and chicken intact.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, maintaining the creamy texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower steaks, seasoned similarly and pan-seared to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that complements the rich, garlicky sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just ensure you cook it al dente for the best texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat-based seasonings with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make the chicken more crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, use a high-heat cooking method, and avoid overcrowding the skillet. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and might not thicken as well. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a milk-cornstarch mixture.

Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances alongside zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors. Hearty comfort meets elegant dining, promising a meal that satisfies both soul and palate with each delectable forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings:

• Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
2. Create a robust flavor profile by generously coating chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Transform a large skillet into a sizzling culinary stage, melting butter over medium heat until it shimmers with golden potential.
4. Carefully introduce chicken pieces to the hot skillet, allowing each morsel to develop a rich, caramelized crust through strategic 4-5 minute cooking.
5. Elevate the chicken’s flavor complexity by introducing minced garlic, vibrant lemon zest, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice.
6. Allow the chicken to luxuriate in the aromatic garlic and citrus notes for an additional 1-2 minutes, then gracefully transfer to a waiting plate.
7. Simultaneously prepare the pasta in a generously salted water bath, guiding linguine to perfect al dente texture while reserving a small measure of starchy cooking liquid.
8. Repurpose the same skillet as a canvas for a velvety sauce, melting butter and whisking in heavy cream and garlic powder until silky smooth.
9. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce that transforms from liquid to a rich, clinging consistency.
10. Marry the cooked linguine with the creamy Parmesan sauce, gently tossing to ensure every strand becomes a vehicle for flavor.
11. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, creating a perfect coating that embraces the pasta.
12. Artfully arrange the pasta on serving plates, crowning each portion with the aromatic garlic butter chicken.
13. Complete the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a final touch of culinary elegance.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by patting the pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning, ensuring a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
• Customize the dish for gluten-free diets by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional linguine.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a subtle heat kick.
• Maintain sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water, creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish that clings beautifully to the noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg