Here’s a vibrant and zesty Lemon Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter recipe! It combines the crispiness of breaded chicken, the creaminess of a lemony garlic butter sauce, and the comforting texture of pasta. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Lemon Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Parmesan:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally for thinner pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta (linguine, fettuccine, etc.)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station:
- Flour in the first dish, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Beaten eggs in the second dish.
- A mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet as it will bake in the oven.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you like, you can top the chicken with a little marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a more classic Chicken Parmesan finish, then bake it.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. You can add more reserved pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Slice the baked chicken breasts into strips and place them on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and a little more grated Parmesan.
5. Serve:
- Plate the pasta and chicken, and serve immediately. If you like, you can drizzle a bit more lemon juice on top for an extra zing!
Tips & Variations:
- Chicken Substitution: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to swap spaghetti with other types of pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
- Vegetables: Add some sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or zucchini to the pasta for added flavor and color.
- Cheese Lovers: For extra richness, mix in some fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese in the garlic butter sauce.
This Lemon Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter is a fresh twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, with a punch of citrusy brightness and buttery goodness. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated! Enjoy!