🍝 Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta 🍗🧄
A creamy, garlicky, lemony pasta dish with tender chicken—perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both flavorful and comforting!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 tsp paprika 🌶️
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
3 tbsp butter, divided 🧈
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
Zest and juice of 1 lemon 🍋
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish 🌿
For the Pasta:
8 oz linguine 🍝
2 tbsp butter 🧈
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring 4-5 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Lemon: Zest and juice the lemon, and add both the zest and juice to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to combine, and cook for about 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish and Serve: Once everything is mixed and the sauce is creamy, transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and enjoy the rich, buttery, garlicky goodness with your favorite side dish.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce!
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would balance the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Add Extra Veggies: If you’d like, toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish packs tons of flavor thanks to the garlic butter sauce and lemon zest.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a special weekend treat.
Customizable: You can easily swap the linguine for your favorite pasta or add veggies to suit your preferences.
🧑🍳 Tips for Success:
Adjust the Lemon: If you love lemon, add a bit more zest and juice to the sauce for an extra citrus kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the lemon.
Creamy Variation: For an even creamier sauce, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the butter and garlic to create a rich Alfredo-style base.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
🍽️ Final Thoughts:
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, buttery, garlicky, with a bright pop of lemon. It’s simple yet satisfying, perfect for busy days when you need something delicious without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, this dish will always hit the spot. 🍝🍗✨
Enjoy your creamy, garlicky pasta and savor every bite!