This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, while the pasta is coated in a creamy, zesty lemon parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that come together quickly for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Chicken Alternatives: You can swap the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
Pasta Options: Any pasta can work, such as fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta.
Add Veggies: For extra flavor, toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help restore the sauce’s creaminess. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though I recommend covering it with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them from frozen, but it may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and omitting the parmesan cheese. There are also dairy-free parmesan alternatives you can use.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap spaghetti for any other pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even a gluten-free variety.
Can I add other herbs to the chicken?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. They will add a nice aroma and flavor to the chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a fantastic meal for any day of the week. The rich and creamy garlic butter sauce, combined with the zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creates a truly irresistible dish. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor — a perfect option for when I want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Recipe:
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A rich and flavorful dish with tender garlic butter chicken and creamy lemon parmesan pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
You can swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
Any type of pasta can be used, such as fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta.
For added flavor, consider tossing in sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the dish in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
