Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy chicken and lemon pasta tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce for a quick, flavorful meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Garlic Butter Chicken
01 -
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
02 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
03 -
6 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
04 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
05 -
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Lemon Parmesan Pasta
09 -
12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
10 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
11 -
Zest of 1 lemon
12 -
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
0.25 cup reserved pasta cooking water
14 -
2 tablespoons heavy cream
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Pat chicken cutlets dry, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides for optimal browning.
02 -
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming. Add chicken cutlets without overcrowding and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Italian herbs, optional red pepper flakes, then deglaze with lemon juice, scraping pan bottom to incorporate browned bits.
04 -
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 9–11 minutes, reserving 0.25 cup pasta water before draining.
05 -
Return drained pasta to pot, add olive oil, lemon zest, and most Parmesan cheese (reserve 2 tablespoons). Stir in reserved pasta water and heavy cream to form a smooth sauce coating the noodles.
06 -
Slice rested chicken into strips and toss some with pasta. Arrange remaining chicken atop, drizzle with garlic butter sauce from skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley, remaining Parmesan, and additional black pepper if desired.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness at 165°F.
02 -
Reserve pasta cooking water to emulsify sauce for enhanced texture and flavor.