Are you craving a dish that combines creamy goodness with a burst of flavor? Look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta! This delightful recipe is not only quick and simple but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, all lovingly stirred into perfectly cooked linguine. I first tried this dish on a busy weeknight with my family, and we couldn’t get enough! It’s reminiscent of a classic chicken alfredo but with a zesty twist! If you love my Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe, then you will absolutely adore this one too. Get excited, and let’s dive into this creamy, flavorful delight!
What is Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta?
So, what’s in a name? Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta sounds fancy, but it’s truly a delightful dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. Why is it called that, you ask? Well, just think: garlic butter adds a sumptuous richness, while lemon offers a refreshing zest that dances on your palate. And don’t forget the Parmesan; it’s the ultimate flavor booster! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish is sure to win over anyone who tries it. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s whip up this recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This
You’re going to love Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta for so many reasons! First, the bold flavors of garlic and butter combined with zesty lemon are simply irresistible. Imagine sinking your fork into creamy linguine topped with succulent chicken – yum! Second, making this dish at home can save you money compared to dining out, and you can enjoy it whenever a craving hits. Lastly, the addition of fresh parsley and Parmesan brings a sophisticated finish. If you enjoy robust flavors as in my Shrimp Scampi recipe, this dish will definitely be a favorite. Go ahead and treat yourself by trying this at home!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a dream come true for busy weeknights. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious dish ready that your family will love. The star of the show is a creamy sauce that’s rich in flavor, making every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s simple enough for any home cook, so let’s jump right in!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Seasoning the Chicken: Season the chicken chopped pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure they’re well coated with those flavorful spices!
- Cooking the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Adding Garlic and Lemon: When the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to soak up all the bright flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cooking the Pasta: While the chicken rests, cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to save about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining to use later.
- Making the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder, blending until smooth. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce. If it needs thinning, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Finally, top the dish with the lemony chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta With
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You might also consider serving garlic bread on the side to soak up that delicious sauce. And for drinks? A crisp white wine or lemon-infused sparkling water would be the perfect complement!
Top Tips for Perfecting
To ensure the best results, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. You’ll get so much more flavor than using pre-grated cheese! Avoid crowding the pan when cooking the chicken to achieve that lovely golden sear. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (if you don’t gobble it all up!), store the Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the chicken? Yes! Shrimp or tofu can work great as protein alternatives.
- Is it gluten-free? You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Can I make it ahead? While it’s best fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine and boil the pasta when ready to serve!
Conclusion
With its creamy, rich flavor and quick preparation time, Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is the perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this dish is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get started on this delicious recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Top with the lemony garlic butter chicken, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.