Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Incredible Flavor: The garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy pasta.

Restaurant Quality at Home: A dish that feels gourmet but is simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small breasts)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Lemon Parmesan Pasta:

12 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken, then cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Sauté Garlic:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Create the Sauce Base:

Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Lemon and Parmesan:

Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Toss the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce.

Slice the Chicken:

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.

Plate the Dish:

Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, topped with slices of garlic butter chicken.

Garnish:

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.

A fresh, crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens.

A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dish’s flavors.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender.

Adjust Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken and make the sauce clumpy.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a dish that combines bold, comforting flavors with the brightness of lemon and the richness of Parmesan. It’s an easy recipe that will impress your family or guests with its gourmet feel. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!