Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta: 40 Min Dream

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Buttery lemon chicken pasta has become my absolute go-to for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I made it for friends; the aroma of garlic and lemon filled my kitchen, and everyone was raving about the creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s truly an easy buttery lemon chicken pasta that feels incredibly gourmet, even when I’m short on time. The bright, zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and cream perfectly, creating a flavor explosion you’ll want to recreate again and again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

There are so many reasons this dish is a winner! It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to your table. Here’s why you’ll adore making and eating this lovely dish:

• Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich butter creates an unforgettable taste.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters love this mild, comforting flavor profile.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out pasta types or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
• Satisfying & Comforting: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are pure comfort food.
• Simple Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it approachable for cooks of all levels.
• A Delightful Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Butter: The sauce is incredibly rich and luscious.
• Perfect Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Butter: This recipe truly masters that perfect balance of richness and tang.

Ingredients for Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to an amazing lemon garlic butter chicken pasta dish. I always make sure to have fresh lemon on hand because that zest and juice are crucial for that bright, authentic flavor. The butter and heavy cream are key to achieving that luscious, creamy sauce we all love.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, no bones or skin, cut small – about 1-inch pieces
• Juice from 1 fresh lemon – about 2-3 tablespoons
• Zest from 1 lemon – for that intense lemon aroma
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning blend – or your favorite dried herbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika – adds a touch of color and mild flavor
• Salt and pepper as needed – to taste

Pasta & Sauce Ingredients

• 8 oz of linguine noodles – or your preferred pasta shape
• 3 tablespoons butter, split into portions – divided for searing chicken and making sauce
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced – essential for that garlic butter base
• 1/2 cup creamy heavy cream – for a rich, velvety sauce
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated – adds salty, nutty depth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – boosts the garlic flavor
• Salt and black pepper to season – adjust to your liking

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Learning how to make buttery lemon chicken pasta is easier than you think!

Prepare the Chicken

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss to coat them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Cook the Pasta

1. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz of linguine noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken

1. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook about 9-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, toss in the 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
2. Step 5: Pour in the 1/2 cup creamy heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Add the 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
3. Step 6: Stir in the 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated, until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This is what makes our lemon butter chicken pasta so wonderfully creamy.

Combine and Finish

1. Step 7: Add the drained linguine and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious lemon butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This final step ensures you know how to make buttery lemon chicken pasta that’s perfectly sauced.
2. Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious, creamy lemon chicken pasta with butter!

Pro Tips for the Best Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Want to elevate your buttery lemon chicken pasta? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect restaurant-quality dish every time.

• Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it infuses so much flavor.
• Reserve pasta water! It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Sear the chicken properly for that delicious golden-brown crust.

What’s the secret to perfect buttery lemon chicken pasta?

The secret really lies in building layers of flavor. Marinating the chicken with lemon zest and juice, searing it well, and then creating the sauce in the same pan with garlic and butter ensures everything is infused. Adding Parmesan cheese at the end creates that amazing, velvety texture for your lemon zest chicken pasta butter dish.

Can I make buttery lemon chicken pasta ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components ahead! Marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving. This keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the pasta from getting mushy. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these dinner recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with buttery lemon chicken pasta?

A couple of common pitfalls to avoid are overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and burning the garlic. Sauté the garlic gently until fragrant, not brown. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook a bit more in the sauce. For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to guides on how to cook pasta.

Best Ways to Serve Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

This delightful buttery lemon chicken pasta is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides. For a complete and balanced meal, I love serving it alongside a fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus also makes a wonderful accompaniment, adding a touch of green and a lovely crunch that complements the creamy pasta perfectly. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious buttery chicken pasta with lemon sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant presentation. If you enjoy comforting pasta dishes, you might also like our zucchini and sausage stovetop casserole.

Nutrition Facts for Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

This delicious buttery lemon chicken pasta dish is a satisfying main course. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Even though this buttery lemon chicken pasta is best enjoyed fresh, I know life gets busy! Storing and reheating this delicious buttery lemon chicken noodle dish is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy its creamy goodness later. It’s a lifesaver for meal prepping. For other great meal prep ideas, consider our street corn chicken rice bowl.

Storage Instructions

Once your buttery lemon chicken pasta has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze portions of it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Methods

To reheat your buttery lemon chicken pasta, you have a couple of options. For the best texture, I recommend gently reheating it on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be sure to check that it’s piping hot before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

What makes this buttery lemon chicken pasta recipe so good?

What is buttery lemon chicken pasta so good? It’s the perfect harmony of bright, zesty lemon and rich, creamy butter sauce that coats tender chicken and pasta. The simple yet effective flavor combination, enhanced by garlic and Parmesan, makes it incredibly satisfying and addictive. It’s a truly comforting yet refreshing dish. For more comforting dishes, try our pumpkin cobbler.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to be more forgiving and stay moister than chicken breast. Just trim any excess fat, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and cook them a little longer until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The flavor will be just as delicious.

What kind of pasta works best for lemon butter chicken pasta dish?

While linguine is my favorite for this lemon butter chicken pasta dish because it holds the sauce so well, almost any long pasta shape works beautifully. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even angel hair pasta are great choices. For a different texture, you could also try shorter shapes like penne or farfalle; they’ll still capture that lovely creamy sauce.

Variations of Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with different twists on this beloved dish. These variations offer exciting new ways to enjoy that wonderful creamy chicken pasta lemon flavor, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta

For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce as it simmers. This transforms the dish into a fiery delight that’s still packed with that signature lemon butter goodness.

One-Pan Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Simplify cleanup even further by making a one-pan version! Cook the pasta directly in the skillet with chicken broth and lemon juice, adding the chicken partway through. Everything cooks together, creating a cohesive and delicious meal with minimal fuss. If you like one-pan meals, check out our one-pan honey BBQ chicken rice.

Healthy Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Looking for a lighter option? Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or a blend of Greek yogurt and milk. You can also use whole wheat pasta and load up on extra veggies like spinach or broccoli to boost nutrients while keeping that fantastic creamy chicken pasta lemon flavor.

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