Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with a rich, creamy pasta. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The zesty lemon and fresh garlic bring a bright flavor to the dish, while the buttery sauce elevates the overall taste. It’s a tasty and satisfying meal that you can easily replicate on a weeknight or for a special occasion.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic, the remaining butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. Prepare creamy parmesan pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve chicken over pasta and drizzle with lemon garlic butter from the skillet.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To serve this dish, place a generous portion of creamy parmesan pasta on each plate. Slice the cooked lemon garlic butter chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta. Finally, pour the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and pasta for an extra boost of flavor. You can garnish with chopped parsley or extra parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and pasta can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or a bit of extra butter to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Make sure the chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
- To enhance the flavor, let the chicken marinate in lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can switch the chicken for shrimp or a different protein, like salmon, for a different take on the dish. Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices that you enjoy as well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, then reheat and serve when ready.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this meal for a complete dining experience.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Make sure they are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole lemon, zest and juice
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta
- creamy parmesan pasta Prepare according to package instructions.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic, the remaining butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest.
Preparing the Pasta
- Prepare creamy parmesan pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve chicken over pasta and drizzle with lemon garlic butter from the skillet.