Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta – A Creamy & Flavorful Delight

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta. This dish is the perfect blend of succulent chicken, rich garlic butter, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan pasta. Whether you need a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers a burst of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce, combined with lemon zest and Parmesan, creates a mouthwatering experience.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the pasta, add veggies, or spice it up with extra seasonings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Parmesan Linguine:

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sauté in butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through.

2. Add Garlic and Lemon

  1. Infuse with flavor: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the skillet.
  2. Let the flavors blend: Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is coated with the fragrant garlic butter lemon sauce.
  3. Set aside: Remove from heat and set the chicken aside while preparing the pasta.

3. Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the linguine: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, save ¼ cup of pasta water to use later if needed.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

  1. Melt butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Create the creamy base: Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder, mixing until smooth.
  3. Add the cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything

  1. Toss the pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  3. Top with chicken: Plate the creamy Parmesan linguine and place the garlic butter chicken on top.
  4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • A fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

  • Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan will enhance the dish’s flavors.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook it al dente for the perfect bite.
  • Adjust seasonings – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice as needed.
  • Use quality butter – This dish relies on rich, creamy butter for depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While linguine is recommended, you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat everything and cook fresh pasta.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini make excellent additions.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home. The rich garlic butter sauce, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan pasta create a meal that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!

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