🍋🧄 Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta 🍗🧀
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Perfect For: Weeknight dinners, family meals, cozy nights in
🌟 Why You’ll Love Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This dish is everything you love about Italian comfort food but with a twist. Juicy, garlic butter chicken is paired with a silky, creamy Parmesan sauce and served over linguine pasta. It’s rich, it’s buttery, it’s bursting with lemony freshness, and it’s perfect for a quick, cozy dinner. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest (optional but adds a burst of fresh flavor)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
8 oz linguine pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon (for that zesty kick)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt & pepper, to taste
👨🍳 How to Make Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
🍗 Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later if needed.
🍲 Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
Add the juice of 1 lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
🍗 Step 4: Combine the Chicken & Pasta
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
🌿 Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Divide the Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta among plates.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately, and enjoy this creamy, garlicky, lemony goodness!
💡 Tips & Tricks
🍋 For Extra Lemon Flavor:
If you love a bold lemon kick, feel free to add more lemon zest or a little extra lemon juice to taste. It’ll add a fresh and tangy balance to the rich creamy sauce.
🍗 Chicken Options:
You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option instead of chicken breast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
For a lighter version, you can substitute grilled chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
🧀 Cheese Variations:
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano makes an excellent substitute with a sharp and tangy bite.
You can also mix in Mozzarella for an extra cheesy, gooey texture.
🍝 Pasta Tips:
You can swap out linguine for other pastas like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti, depending on your preference.
For a low-carb option, try using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
🍽️ Make-Ahead:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, you can cook the chicken and sauce and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and chicken, cook the pasta, and combine everything.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a dreamy combination of garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and linguine pasta that’ll quickly become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress your family with minimal effort. Enjoy!