Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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This dish combines tender chicken pieces coated in garlic butter with perfectly cooked linguine in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Seasoned with hints of paprika, Italian herbs, and a splash of lemon, the flavors are vibrant and satisfying. Easy to make in 35 minutes, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a fresh finish. Serve this comforting meal for a delicious and hearty main course the whole family will love!

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 17:43:07 GMT
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon wedges. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon wedges. | gracefulflavors.com

This garlic butter chicken pasta combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. The tender chicken, infused with lemon and garlic, sits atop creamy parmesan linguine for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that felt special but didn't require hours in the kitchen. My family now requests it at least twice a month, and I'm always happy to oblige.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and takes on flavors beautifully
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for proper seasoning at every layer
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the chicken
  • Italian seasoning: Creates depth with minimal effort
  • Butter: Forms the foundation of the sauce and adds richness
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Deliver more vibrant flavor than pre-minced versions
  • Lemon zest and juice: Brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness
  • Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbal note
  • Linguine pasta: Works perfectly with creamy sauces by capturing sauce in every bite
  • Butter: Creates silkiness in the sauce
  • Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the smoothest melting properties
  • Heavy cream: Produces that luxurious restaurant quality texture
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with gentle garlic flavor
  • Fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution. This step builds the first layer of flavor and helps create a flavorful crust when cooking.
Sauté the Chicken:
Heat butter in a large skillet until it begins to foam but not brown. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Cook for exactly 4-5 minutes until golden outside and just cooked through inside. Properly cooked chicken should register 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Infuse with Aromatics:
Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and juice directly to the hot pan with chicken. The residual heat will release the essential oils in the garlic and lemon zest, creating an aromatic foundation for the dish. Cook only 1-2 minutes to prevent garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture. Reserve pasta water before draining as this starchy liquid is essential for achieving the ideal sauce consistency.
Create the Sauce:
Melt butter in the same skillet used for chicken to capture all flavor bits from the bottom. Add cream and garlic powder, whisking constantly to prevent separation. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This gradual approach prevents clumping and creates a silky smooth sauce.
Combine and Serve:
Toss cooked pasta directly in the sauce, using tongs to ensure every strand is properly coated. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce needs thinning. Return chicken to skillet just to warm through. Top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for visual appeal and extra flavor.
A plate of chicken and pasta. Pin it
A plate of chicken and pasta. | gracefulflavors.com

My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the lemon zest. I once tried making it without this component when I had only bottled lemon juice on hand, and the difference was remarkable. The oils in the zest provide an aromatic quality that transforms the entire dish from good to unforgettable.

Perfect Pasta Technique

The key to successful pasta dishes lies in cooking the pasta properly. Always use a large pot with plenty of water and salt it generously until it tastes like the sea. This seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. I always cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions when making a sauce-based dish like this. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor while releasing starches that help thicken and emulsify.

Make Ahead and Storage

This garlic butter chicken pasta is best enjoyed immediately after preparing when the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly al dente. However life sometimes requires flexibility. You can prepare the chicken up to a day ahead and store it separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply warm the chicken while preparing the fresh pasta and sauce. Leftover completed dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating add a splash of cream or milk to revitalize the sauce as it tends to thicken considerably when chilled.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations to suit your preferences or pantry. Swap linguine for any pasta shape you have on hand penne and fettuccine work particularly well. For a lighter version substitute half and half for heavy cream and increase the pasta water to maintain creaminess. Add sautéed mushrooms spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables and visual appeal. For seafood lovers replace chicken with shrimp or scallops adjusting cooking time accordingly. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double up on vegetables for a satisfying meatless version.

A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon wedges. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon wedges. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best due to its quick cooking and tender texture, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

→ Can I substitute the linguine for another pasta?

Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne can be used as substitutes for linguine in this dish.

→ How can I adjust the sauce consistency?

Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it's too thick, adding a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

→ What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan in this recipe.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic butter chicken paired with creamy Parmesan pasta and a touch of lemon.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 Salt and pepper, to taste
03 1/2 tsp paprika
04 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
05 3 tbsp butter, divided
06 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
08 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ For the Parmesan Linguine

09 8 oz linguine
10 2 tbsp butter
11 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 Salt and pepper, to taste
14 1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.

Step 02

Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet with chicken. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove from heat and set chicken aside.

Step 03

Cook linguine following package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 04

In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder until smooth. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until creamy and thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Serve topped with chicken, parsley, and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  1. Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream).
  • Potential gluten from linguine (check for gluten-free alternatives as needed).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 37 g