Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender, golden-browned chicken infused with lemon and garlic flavors, served over a rich and creamy Parmesan linguine. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe balances zesty citrus with creamy, savory elements for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sauté briefly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and then whisk in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although it might not be as rich.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier option.
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, one pan meal, Italian chicken recipe, lemon butter chicken, easy dinner recipe
