Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m looking for a meal that feels incredibly elegant and flavorful but comes together with surprising ease, my go-to is often Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a true winner, featuring tender, perfectly cooked chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside zesty, cheesy pasta. It’s the kind of meal that impresses without the fuss, making it perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a special dinner!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and looks beautiful on the plate? I am absolutely smitten with Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta because it strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness. The garlic butter is incredibly aromatic and forms a luscious sauce that coats both the chicken and the pasta. The lemon zest and juice in the pasta add a bright, invigorating tang that cuts through the richness, while the Parmesan provides that irresistible salty, umami kick. It’s a fantastic dish for a date night, impressive enough for dinner guests, and quick enough to become a regular in your rotation. Plus, the minimal cleanup is always a bonus!

The Italian-Inspired Flavor Fusion

This dish is a beautiful fusion of classic Italian-American flavors and simple weeknight convenience. The concept of “garlic butter” is foundational in many beloved Italian dishes, from garlic bread to shrimp scampi, providing a rich, aromatic base. Chicken and pasta are a natural pairing, forming the backbone of countless comforting meals.

The addition of lemon and Parmesan to the pasta elevates it beyond simple buttered noodles, drawing inspiration from Italian dishes like “pasta al limone” (pasta with lemon) or “cacio e pepe” (cheese and pepper). The acidity of the lemon brightens the entire dish, while the Parmesan adds a salty depth and creamy texture to the pasta. By bringing these elements together with perfectly seared chicken, this recipe creates a cohesive, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that feels both gourmet and utterly comforting, all in one easy preparation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this elegant and flavorful dish:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced horizontally into 1/2-inch thick cutlets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for sauce, plus more for garnish)

For the Lemon Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken breasts sliced into thinner cutlets cook quickly and absorb flavor well. Thighs are also a great option and tend to stay juicier. Ensure chicken is patted dry for a good sear.
• Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti are great for coating with the sauce, but any long pasta or even short pasta like penne or rotini would work.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best aroma and flavor.
• Broth/Wine: Chicken broth is a fine choice, but a dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) adds an extra layer of sophistication to the butter sauce.
• Lemon: Use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. The zest carries intense citrus oils, so don’t skip it!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and provides the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the pasta adds a nice subtle warmth without making it overly spicy.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this delicious and elegant meal on the table!

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets very dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
3. Sear Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/4 cup butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it brown or burn). Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – this is packed with flavor! Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
5. Make Lemon Parmesan Pasta: Add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Add the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (and optional red pepper flakes).
6. Toss & Finish: Toss the pasta vigorously with tongs until the butter is melted, the cheese is incorporated, and the pasta is beautifully coated in the garlicky, lemony sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
7. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta. Garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving platter.

Tips for Success

• Pat Chicken Dry: Essential for getting that beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken, which adds flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
• Fresh Garlic & Lemon: These are the stars of the dish! Freshly minced garlic and freshly zested/squeezed lemon make a huge difference in flavor.
• Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting the consistency of your pasta sauce, helping it emulsify and cling to the noodles.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, when the pasta is perfectly coated and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli would be excellent choices.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce. You could even serve with some Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun side.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and the pasta can soften upon cooling.

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this particular pasta dish, as the creamy sauce and pasta texture can change significantly upon thawing.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this flavorful and comforting chicken and pasta dish, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:

• For another classic pasta dish, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you love easy, cheesy meals that feed a crowd, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
• For a super easy way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
• And for a lighter, refreshing chicken option, my A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight!) is excellent.

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a truly elegant and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week. It’s rich, bright, and utterly delicious – a dish that promises smiles and full bellies. This recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!

I hope you give this amazing dish a try and enjoy every flavorful bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to elegant yet easy dinner recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!