Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta: A Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is the perfect dish to serve for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its tender, golden brown chicken breasts paired with a rich, zesty pasta coated in creamy garlic butter sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of savory, fresh lemon, and nutty Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors and creates a mouthwatering experience.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and cooking process for this recipe, along with some frequently asked questions to help you master the dish. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow, and the end result will surely impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (your choice of pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions and Preparation Method

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken:
   Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides of each chicken breast. This will infuse the meat with flavor during the cooking process.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be fully cooked and juicy.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
   Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour the Garlic Butter:
   Once the garlic butter is ready, pour it over the cooked chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the aromatic butter sauce. This will add richness and depth of flavor to the chicken. Set the chicken aside to keep warm while you prepare the pasta.

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This pasta water will be useful for adjusting the consistency of the sauce later.
2. Prepare the Pasta Sauce:
   In another large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Parmesan Cheese:
   Stir in the fresh lemon juice (about 1/4 cup) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. At this point, if the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring to reach your desired sauce consistency.
4. Toss the Pasta:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic butter sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, continue adding reserved pasta water in small increments until you achieve the perfect creamy texture.
5. Season the Pasta:
   Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a touch of color and freshness.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Plate the Pasta:
   Place a serving of the lemon Parmesan pasta on each plate. Make sure to coat the pasta generously with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
2. Top with Chicken:
   Slice the garlic butter chicken into strips or leave the breasts whole, and place them on top of the pasta. Pour any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
3. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, zesty, and savory goodness of this incredible dish!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti and fettuccine are classic choices for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta you prefer. Penne, linguine, or farfalle also work great in this dish. The sauce will coat the pasta just as beautifully regardless of the shape.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and pasta sauce ahead of time, but for the best flavor and texture, it’s best to assemble the dish and serve it immediately. If you want to prep the ingredients, you can store the garlic butter chicken and pasta sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce the calorie content, consider using olive oil instead of butter for both the chicken and the pasta sauce. You can also use a lighter version of Parmesan cheese or opt for a smaller amount of cheese to cut down on the richness.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Feel free to add some vegetables to make the dish even more nutritious. Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli would complement the flavors of this dish perfectly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They have more fat, which makes them even more tender and flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are plenty of options available that will still give you a satisfying and delicious meal.

Can I make this dish spicy?

If you like some heat, you can easily spice up this dish by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the garlic butter sauce. This will add a subtle kick that balances out the rich and creamy flavors.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a delectable, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the comforting flavors of garlic butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken and creamy pasta creates a satisfying meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its easy preparation and flavorful result, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.

The dish is versatile, allowing for various substitutions, additions, or adjustments to suit your preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is sure to delight everyone at the table.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more!

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