Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Tender chicken sizzles with rich garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta that promises an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Creamy pasta swirls around perfectly seasoned protein, creating a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Weeknight cooking just became way more exciting with this simple yet elegant dish.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of zesty lemon and savory parmesan.

Herbs and spices dance across the plate, transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this delectable combination.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and experience culinary magic in under 30 minutes.

Kitchen Gear For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Large pot: For boiling pasta, needs to be big enough to hold water and pasta comfortably.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating garlic butter sauce, preferably non-stick.
• Paper towels: Used to pat chicken dry before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauces and tossing pasta.
• Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Cutting board: For preparing ingredients safely.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and serving.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.

Directions For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining and set aside.

• Chicken Flavor Profile

Dry chicken pieces with clean towels. Sprinkle with aromatic seasonings. Heat a skillet and sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Move chicken to a separate plate.

• Garlic Butter Magic

Lower skillet temperature. Melt butter and add fresh garlic, creating a rich fragrant base. Pour in broth to lift delicious browned bits from pan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness. Return chicken to skillet and coat with silky sauce.

• Pasta Transformation

In another pan, combine butter and olive oil. Introduce minced garlic and optional spicy pepper flakes. Splash lemon juice and blend with Parmesan cheese. Toss cooked pasta in this creamy mixture, using reserved pasta water to create smooth consistency.

• Elegant Presentation

Arrange pasta on elegant plates. Crown with succulent garlic butter chicken. Finish with fresh parsley sprigs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tricks For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Perfection Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different protein experience that keeps the delicious garlic butter sauce intact.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down – from zero kick to a fiery sensation that matches your personal spice tolerance.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley to add unexpected depth and aromatic complexity to the final dish.

Ways To Serve Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Flavor-Packed Plate Presentation: Arrange the garlic butter chicken atop a bed of lemon Parmesan pasta, creating a stunning visual that highlights the golden-brown chicken and creamy sauce.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting dining experience that encourages sharing and adds warmth to the meal.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, squeeze fresh lemon wedges, and add a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese to brighten flavors and add a pop of color.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the lemony, garlicky notes of the chicken and pasta.

Storage Advice For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Smart Portion Control: Divide the chicken and pasta into individual meal-sized containers immediately after cooking. This helps manage serving sizes and makes grab-and-go lunches easier during busy workweeks.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, preventing moisture buildup and potential sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze chicken and pasta components individually in sealed freezer bags. Label containers with date and contents. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve flavor and prevent drying out.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. For pasta, add a small amount of water or extra olive oil while reheating to prevent sticking and refresh the sauce's consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, select fresh, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances chicken's flavor with subtle, aromatic warmth.
• Paprika: Adds beautiful color and mild smoky undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate chicken's natural taste.

• Butter: Creates rich, luxurious base for both chicken and pasta sauces.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy cooking medium with delicate flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to chicken sauce.
• White Wine (Optional): Introduces sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall dish with zesty, fresh tang.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic flavor punch.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Introduces gentle, warming heat.

• Pasta: Delivers comforting, hearty foundation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, salty dimension with nutty undertones.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides vibrant green garnish with fresh herbaceous note.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers optional extra citrusy brightness.

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances alongside zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired meal. Home cooks can easily craft this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward technique.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water (reserved)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Additional Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a well-salted water pot to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly dry chicken pieces and coat with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, ensuring complete doneness. Transfer to a holding plate.
4. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized bits. Introduce lemon juice to craft a vibrant pan sauce.
5. Pasta Finishing: In a separate pan, combine olive oil and butter. Awaken garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water to create a silky coating for the pasta.
6. Plating and Garnish: Arrange pasta on plates, top with garlic butter chicken. Embellish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan to elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose Chicken Wisely: Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges or undercooked centers.
• Manage Pasta Water Smartly: Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy essence helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to pasta strands.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat for chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, creating a delectable caramelized crust that locks in moisture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter for lactose-free version, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg