Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

 

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s both comfort food and dinner-party-worthy, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is going to be your new go-to! It’s got the perfect balance of rich, creamy pasta and zesty, flavorful chicken—basically, the best of both worlds. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Let’s dive in and make magic happen, step by step. Grab your apron and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, let me just say, this dish is everything. It’s creamy, tangy, buttery, and downright satisfying. The garlic butter chicken brings a savory richness, while the lemon adds a bright, fresh kick. Pair that with the luscious Parmesan linguine, and you’ve got yourself a plate full of happiness.

Oh, and did I mention? It’s all done in under 30 minutes. Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade!

Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious creation:

For the Chicken:

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

For the Parmesan Linguine:

• 8 oz linguine
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s move on to cooking up some deliciousness.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken like a pro! Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices work together to create a flavor-packed bite in every piece.

Now, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and slightly bubbly, toss in the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and are fully cooked. The smell? It’s heavenly!

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Lemon

Here comes the fun part—adding that garlic and lemon magic! Once your chicken is beautifully golden, stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Give it a quick stir, and let it cook for an extra 1–2 minutes. This step ensures the chicken soaks up all those vibrant, garlicky-citrusy flavors. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet just yet—there’s more flavor to build!

Step 3: Cook Your Linguine

While your chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes, but check the package to be sure.

Pro Tip: Before draining the pasta, reserve about ¼ cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s a lifesaver for creating a smooth, creamy sauce later.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta: The Creamy, Dreamy Finish

Welcome back! Now that your garlic butter chicken is cooked to perfection and your pasta is ready to go, it’s time to bring this dish together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let’s dive into the next steps to complete this masterpiece.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic happens! Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in (because why waste all those delicious browned bits?), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will begin to pick up all those leftover flavors from the chicken and garlic—this is where the depth of the dish really starts to shine.

Next, stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to gently bubble. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly. As the cheese melts, it will thicken the sauce into a velvety consistency. If it feels too thick, this is where that reserved pasta water comes to the rescue! Add a splash at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.

Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan already adds some saltiness, so taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Now it’s time to marry the pasta with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated in that luscious Parmesan sauce. This step is key for ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle in a little more Parmesan while tossing—because let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Pro Tip: If the pasta starts to stick together or the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of the reserved pasta water. It’s like a secret weapon for perfect pasta dishes.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

The finishing touch? Adding that garlic butter chicken back into the mix. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the pasta in the skillet, letting the warmth of the sauce reheat them gently. Give everything a light toss to combine, or plate the pasta first and top it with the chicken for a more elegant presentation.

Step 7: Garnish Like a Pro

No dish is complete without a little garnish! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and chicken for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), grate a bit more Parmesan on top for that final touch.

Tips for Success

• Timing Is Everything: To keep this dish seamless, aim to have your pasta ready to toss as soon as the sauce is done. This ensures everything stays warm and the flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Want more lemon? Add an extra squeeze of fresh juice. Craving extra garlic? Toss in a clove or two more. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make it your own.
• Make It a Meal: Pair this dish with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete dinner experience.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta: FAQs and Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve just prepared a dish that’s sure to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself on a cozy night in. But before we wrap things up, let’s tackle a few common questions about this recipe to ensure you have all the tips and tricks for making it perfectly every time.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully for this recipe, you can swap it for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. The sauce clings beautifully to long, thin pasta, but any shape will do the trick.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, as the sauce tends to thicken when reheated. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli would make excellent additions. Simply stir them into the sauce before tossing with the pasta.

6. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy adjustment.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts. Cook them the same way, adjusting the time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Dinner Recipe

There you have it—Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With its creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and perfectly seasoned chicken, it’s destined to become a regular on your dinner table. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your preferences, whether you’re looking to lighten it up, add extra veggies, or try a gluten-free version.

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