It’s a glorious day when garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta creamy flavorful graces my kitchen. Imagine tender chicken, smothered in rich garlic butter, paired with the tangy brightness of lemon and the irresistible creaminess of parmesan pasta. The aroma wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; it’s all about those mouthwatering flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that promises to tickle your senses and warm your heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor
- It looks gorgeous on any dinner table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight meal
When I first made this dish for my family, their delighted expressions were priceless. They were practically licking their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for a satisfying meal, adjusting as needed for larger gatherings.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; fresh garlic elevates the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
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Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest add a bright tang that contrasts beautifully with the richness of butter.
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Heavy Cream: This ingredient provides that luscious creaminess essential for a satisfying pasta sauce.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese melts beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the pasta.
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Pasta of Choice: I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly.
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Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on these basics; they bring out all the other flavors in this vibrant dish.
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Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and zest your lemon; this ensures everything is ready when you need it.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side).
Add Garlic and Lemon : Toss in minced garlic once the chicken is nearly cooked through. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Follow with lemon juice and zest, stirring well.
Create the Sauce : Pour in heavy cream gradually while mixing constantly. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating that dreamy sauce.
Toss Pasta with Sauce : Add cooked pasta to your skillet along with reserved pasta water if needed. Mix well until every strand is coated in that creamy goodness.
Now plate up! Top each serving with a sprinkle of parsley for that touch of elegance. Enjoy every bite of your homemade garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta creamy flavorful—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken with lemon parmesan pasta is a delightful dish packed with flavor
- The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, making every bite indulgent
- You can easily prepare this meal for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken first for a golden crust, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic butter sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time and maximizes flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add some spinach for extra nutrition. Experimenting with different cheeses can also add a unique twist to the creamy sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure that your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and creaminess
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to achieve perfection
Memories flood back when I think about serving this dish at my sister’s birthday dinner; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary genius!
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta with garlic butter chicken?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love works well with this creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens, simply whisk in a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a delightful culinary creation that brings together tender chicken and creamy, zesty pasta in a harmonious blend of flavors. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also impresses at any gathering, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or entertaining friends. With rich garlic butter and the fresh brightness of lemon, every bite offers a comforting experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Mince garlic and zest the lemon.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add fettuccine, and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
- Add garlic and lemon: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add lemon juice and zest.
- Create the sauce: Gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring. Mix in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta: Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, using reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
