Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

A skillet sizzling with garlic butter chicken that promises an explosion of flavors.

Tender chicken breasts dance in a golden, aromatic sauce that whispers culinary magic.

parmesan cheese melts gracefully over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

You’ll savor each bite of this restaurant-quality meal crafted right in your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Rich, creamy, and packed with zesty lemon undertones, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab your ingredients and let the cooking adventure begin!

Why Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Is So Loved

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the rich, buttery garlic chicken with zesty lemon Parmesan pasta, creating a restaurant-quality meal that bursts with complementary tastes in under 30 minutes.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, the recipe teaches essential skills like deglazing a pan, searing chicken, and creating restaurant-style pan sauces with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Enjoy Versatile Weeknight Wonder: The dish provides maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious dinner that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly using common ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Elevate Comfort Food Experience: By layering multiple flavor dimensions – from the crispy chicken to the creamy pasta and bright lemon notes – this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies both adults and picky eaters.

All The Ingredients For Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and at room temperature before cooking.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for enhancing chicken's natural flavor.

• Pasta: Holds sauce well, preferably a medium-sized shape like penne or fettuccine.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth to the pasta sauce.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Creates silky texture and helps sauce cling to pasta.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create rich, smooth base for both chicken and pasta sauces.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity and depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth (or White Wine): Adds moisture and helps deglaze the pan.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, fresh acidity to balance the rich ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh color and light herbal note.

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh squeeze option for extra citrus brightness.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Extra sprinkle for cheese lovers.

Step-By-Step Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Scoop out a small cup of the starchy water before draining. Set the pasta aside and keep it warm.

Step 2: Prepare Tasty Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat a skillet with olive oil until it’s sizzling hot. Lay the chicken in the pan and cook each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and have a crispy exterior. Move the chicken to a separate plate and keep it ready.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat and melt butter until it’s bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and let everything simmer together. Gently return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Pasta Coating

In another pan, combine olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick. Splash in lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Pour in the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Toss the cooked pasta until every strand is covered in the creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges for squeezing

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Tips To Make Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Better

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a deliciously crispy exterior.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat for perfectly golden-brown chicken without burning the meat or spices.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Reserve pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps coat noodles evenly and adds subtle richness.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and create a creamy, smooth texture.
• Elevate Dish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness, color, and a fresh aromatic touch to the final presentation.

How To Save Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these dishes will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally.
• Pasta Reheating: Revive pasta by adding a tablespoon of water or olive oil while microwaving in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Fresh Serving Tip: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley after reheating to restore the vibrant flavors and refresh the dish's appearance.

What Tastes Great With Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty lemon and garlic flavors with a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the richness of the butter and enhance the chicken's delicate taste.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Balance the pasta's richness with a light, tangy salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. The fresh greens and citrusy dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, garlicky dish.
• Add Roasted Garlic Bread: Soak up the delicious sauce with warm, crusty garlic bread. The extra garlic and crispy texture will elevate the meal and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the tender chicken and pasta.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet. Its bright, cool flavor will mirror the dish's citrusy notes and provide a light, refreshing finish to the rich meal.

Tasty Twists On Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap out garlic powder for a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace seasonings with Cajun spice mix. Include diced bell peppers and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding butter sauce. Incorporate a splash of heavy cream to create a richer, more luxurious sauce.
• Herb Roasted Chicken Alternative: Marinate chicken in fresh herb mixture like basil and parsley before roasting. Use white wine instead of chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

Everything About Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• What makes this chicken dish special?

This garlic butter chicken combines rich, savory flavors with a zesty lemon twist. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked until golden brown, then bathed in a delicious garlic butter sauce that keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than chicken thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re cooked through while staying juicy.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily control the heat level. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a pinch more or some cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and straightforward. The key is to follow the steps carefully, watch your heat levels, and season to taste. Even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal with these simple instructions.

Garlic Butter Chicken With Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Creamy, rich textures and aromatic herbs promise a delightful culinary journey that satisfies comfort food cravings with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pasta Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Additional Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath for the pasta, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining and setting the pasta aside.
2. Meticulously pat the chicken pieces dry using absorbent towels. Liberally dust with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
3. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Gracefully introduce the seasoned chicken, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Ensure thorough cooking, then transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium. Melt butter until it shimmers, then introduce minced garlic. Allow the aromatics to dance and release their fragrant essence.
5. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth, carefully lifting the caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. Splash in bright lemon juice, creating a vibrant sauce that will embrace the chicken.
6. In a separate cooking vessel, combine olive oil and butter. Awaken the garlic and optional red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant base for the pasta.
7. Incorporate lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and the reserved pasta water. Gently coat the cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is luxuriously dressed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Artfully arrange the pasta on serving plates, crowning it with the succulent garlic butter chicken. Scatter fresh parsley, provide lemon wedges, and sprinkle additional Parmesan as a final flourish.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Seasoning Layering: Use a balanced blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create depth of flavor across the chicken’s surface.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the meat.
• Sauce Rescue: Reserved pasta water acts as a magical thickening agent, helping the Parmesan sauce cling beautifully to pasta strands.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Protein Flexibility: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white fish for a versatile vegetarian or seafood alternative that absorbs the garlic butter sauce wonderfully.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg