The Creamiest Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta in a culinary symphony that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Crisp aromas waft through kitchens, promising comfort and pure satisfaction.

Mediterranean flavors merge effortlessly on this delightful plate.

Rich, creamy textures complement tender chicken pieces nestled against silky noodles.

Fresh ingredients create magic with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Weeknight dinners just became extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with each incredible, mouthwatering bite.

Chicken Pasta Pairing That Works Every Time

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delectable meal in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty lemon, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken for a mouthwatering taste experience that satisfies every craving.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with optional add-ins like spinach or cherry tomatoes, making it adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Delivers a gourmet-style dinner at home without complicated techniques, perfect for impressing family or creating a special meal without stress.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Lemon Ingredients

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender pieces seasoned for a flavorful base.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Creates rich and creamy sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasoning blend for chicken.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb mix for additional Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright and tangy citrus notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh additions for extra nutrition and color.

• Pasta: Base of the dish, cooked until al dente.

Making Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken And Pasta

Season the chicken cutlets generously with salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, then carefully set aside a small cup of starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat. Gently place chicken cutlets into the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté for a quick minute until fragrant. Pour in rich butter and velvety heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Build Vibrant Cream Sauce

Incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese, bright lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Tenderly fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. For extra excitement, consider adding fresh spinach leaves or halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Elegantly arrange the pasta on plates, crown with the perfectly seared chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of additional parmesan, lemon zest, or chopped fresh parsley.

Pasta Tips That Blend Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon-Parmesan Flavor

• Maximize Chicken Tenderness: Pound chicken cutlets evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges for a perfectly juicy result.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water before draining to create a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients blend seamlessly with minimal effort.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk heavy cream and butter slowly over medium-low heat to prevent breaking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding cream to enhance its aromatic profile and deepen overall dish complexity.
• Vegetarian Swap Option: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu for a protein-packed alternative that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Leftovers Storage Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken and pasta separately into freezer-safe containers. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in skillet with splash of cream or chicken broth. Stir constantly to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking. Add extra parmesan for restored flavor.

Flavors That Pair with Garlic Butter Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic butter's richness and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Refreshing Cocktail Match: Craft a zesty lemon gin spritzer that echoes the recipe's bright citrus notes and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Side Dish Harmony: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon to mirror the dish's flavor profile and add a fresh vegetable element.
• Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide an extra textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Dish Twists for Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional flour-based ingredients with cornstarch or alternative thickeners.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base and maintain the original garlic butter sauce with chicken.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon. Add extra protein by incorporating white beans or grilled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Yes, slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking and faster preparation.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce consistency.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your spices are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for extra heat.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta in this irresistible culinary symphony. Rich flavors and creamy textures merge into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Main Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating cutlets with a blend of salt, cracked pepper, and sweet paprika, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, season with salt, and cook pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
3. Heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a warm plate, then immediately introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, releasing its aromatic oils for approximately 60 seconds.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, luxurious base. Incorporate freshly grated parmesan, bright lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, developing depth of flavor and slightly thickening. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal sauce consistency. Optional: Incorporate fresh spinach leaves or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
8. Arrange the vibrant pasta on serving plates, carefully positioning the golden-brown chicken on top. Finish with a flourish of additional parmesan shavings, delicate lemon zest, or chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

• Choose chicken cutlets of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor absorption.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising sauce texture.
• Balance the sauce’s richness by adding a splash of white wine or using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 120mg