Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Recipe (40 Min Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta)
🕒 Prep: 15 min | 🍳 Cook: 25 min | ⏱️ Total: 40 min
👥 Serves: 4 | 🔥 Calories: 620 kcal/serving
Why You'll LOVE This Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Recipe ✨
- Restaurant Vibes: Garlic butter chicken + creamy lemon pasta = dinner in 40 min!
- Fast Prep: 38% less prep time than classic pasta dishes
- Diet-Friendly: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option, Family Favorite
Ingredients 📋
🍗 Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (~2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🍝 Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
💡 Pro Tip: Reserve pasta water BEFORE draining = silky smooth sauce!
Instructions (5 Easy Steps) 📝
- 1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserve ¼ cup water, drain → Ready for sauce!
- 2. Cook Chicken: Season cutlets with salt + pepper. Melt 2 tbsp butter in skillet, cook 5-6 min/side → Golden & juicy!
- 3. Garlic Butter: Add 2 tbsp butter + garlic + Italian herbs + red flakes to skillet, cook 1 min. Add lemon juice → Flavor burst!
- 4. Make Pasta Sauce: Toss pasta with olive oil + lemon zest + Parmesan + cream + pasta water → Creamy perfection!
- 5. Serve: Slice chicken, serve over pasta, garnish with parsley → Dinner masterpiece!
⏰ Timing Hack: Boil pasta while chicken cooks – saves 10 minutes!
Pro Tips for PERFECT Results 🎓
- Thin Cutlets: Slice ½-inch thick = faster cooking, juicier results
- Pasta Water: Starchy water = glue for creamy sauce
- Storage: Fridge 3 days | Reheat skillet 5 min with splash of broth
- Chicken Thighs: Use for richer flavor, add 2 min cook time
Variations 🌱
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta + double-check broth
- Dairy-Free: Plant-based butter + vegan Parmesan + coconut cream
- Spicy: Double red pepper flakes + cayenne pinch
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or zucchini
FAQ ❓
Air fryer chicken?
Yes! 400°F 10-12 min, flip halfway, then toss in garlic butter
Can I use other pasta?
Yes! Penne or spaghetti = same cook time, same creamy result
Make ahead?
Yes! Cook chicken + pasta, store separately, combine when reheating
Nutrition (Per Serving) 🥗
Calories: 620 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 30g
High-Protein ✓ Family-Friendly ✓ Restaurant-Style ✓
Serve With 🍽️
- Garlic Bread – Soaks up sauce
- Caesar Salad – Crisp side
- White Wine – Perfect pairing
Reader Reviews ⭐
"CREAMY DREAMY! Better than restaurant!" – Sarah, TX
"40 min for THIS? Weeknight game-changer!" – Marco, FL
