Oh my gosh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite meals—*garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta*! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, buttery goodness of the chicken pairs so perfectly with the zesty brightness of lemon and the cheesy depth of parmesan. I remember the first time I made it; I was in the kitchen, a bit frazzled after a long day, and the moment that garlic butter started melting in the skillet, I knew I was in for something special. It filled my home with the most amazing aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming about this dish for days. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests—what more could you want?
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to even thickness for quick cooking
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter, melted (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 2 cups pasta, any shape you love (I often go for fettuccine!)
- 1 lemon, juiced (fresh is best for that zingy flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving if you’re feeling cheesy
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped finely to add a pop of color
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into this deliciousness! You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up this meal. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up a plate of pure joy in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first—let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling like crazy, toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Make sure to taste it a minute or two before the time is up to get that perfect bite. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for later!
Preparing the Chicken
Now, while the pasta is cooking, let’s focus on the chicken. In a large skillet, melt the garlic butter over medium heat—oh, the smell! Season your chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper on both sides. When the butter is sizzling, carefully add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will keep it juicy!
Combining Pasta and Sauce
In that same skillet with all those delicious garlic butter remnants, add the drained pasta back in along with the lemon juice and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently, making sure each noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. If it feels a bit too dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with buttery garlic, zesty lemon, and rich parmesan
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shape
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure this garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if you have the time, marinate the chicken in garlic butter for an hour before cooking. It really amps up the flavor! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the lemon juice to your taste—some like it zesty, others prefer it milder. If you find the pasta a bit sticky after combining, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up. And remember, fresh parsley isn’t just for show; it adds a beautiful pop of flavor and color! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
This garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, 20g of fat, 35g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific brands or ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust as needed!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this *garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you love—spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the garlic butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
What should I serve with this dish?
This meal is fantastic on its own, but if you want to add some greens, a simple side salad or steamed veggies work beautifully!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and pasta in advance, just store them separately in the fridge. Combine and heat just before serving for the best taste!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the juices should run clear when pierced.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit more garlic butter to keep it moist and flavorful. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with rubbery chicken! Trust me, it’s worth the effort to bring back those delicious flavors!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked in garlic butter, served with lemon parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt garlic butter over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cooked pasta, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
- Toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic butter for an hour before cooking.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, lemon parmesan pasta, easy chicken recipe
