Garlic Butter Chicken & Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta in a match made in culinary heaven.
Aromas waft through kitchens, promising a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of rich flavors and comforting textures.
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call with remarkable simplicity.
Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making every bite a celebration of home cooking.
Each forkful brings together tender chicken and silky pasta in perfect harmony.
You’ll find yourself savoring every delectable moment of this irresistible dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Shines
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
For the Protein:For the Seasoning:For the Pasta Base:For the Butter and Cream:For the Cheese:For the Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:For the Garnish:How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken with Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop the chicken into the skillet and cook it until it turns a beautiful golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Toss in minced garlic, bright lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it dance in the pan for another 1-2 minutes, then gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
Before draining, scoop out a small cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will come in handy later.
Step 3: Create the Velvety Sauce
Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in garlic powder. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Slide the cooked linguine into the skillet, twirling it to coat every strand with the luxurious sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency. Arrange the lemony chicken on top of the pasta.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese for that final touch of deliciousness.
Tips for Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta
Variations to Try with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Pairings That Go Well with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Best Storage Methods for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Seal cooled chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevent moisture buildup by using containers with tight-fitting lids.
Transfer completely cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring chicken and pasta are protected from freezer burn by wrapping tightly.
Place portions on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed, typically 1-2 minutes total.
Warm slightly in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Yes, you can swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.
No, this recipe is mild and flavorful. The paprika and Italian seasoning add depth without heat.
Use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter amount, and opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Partially. Cook chicken and pasta separately, store in refrigerator, and reheat with sauce just before serving to maintain best texture and flavor.
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Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a symphony of Italian-inspired comfort. Crisp golden chicken nestles perfectly alongside silky noodles, promising a luxurious meal that satisfies deep culinary cravings you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Dairy and Pasta:
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces (8 oz) linguine
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature (around 350°F), allowing it to melt and become slightly frothy.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes while gently turning to achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Incorporate minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice into the skillet, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Remove chicken from heat and set aside, keeping warm.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine until it reaches al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, carefully extract 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in heavy cream and garlic powder, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and well-integrated.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- If the sauce appears too thick, slowly incorporate reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Plate the pasta and crown with the lemony chicken.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning blend by swapping Italian herbs with cajun or ranch seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat every time.
- Use gluten-free pasta and omit Parmesan for a celiac-friendly version of this creamy dish.
- Maximize flavor by letting chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.