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Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta

A bright, buttery pasta tossed with garlic chicken, lemon, parsley, and Parmesan for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta cooked according to package directions (or substitute other small-shaped pasta such as ziti, rotini, small elbow)
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1+ teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
  • 1+ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature if possible
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice or to taste
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley finely minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese or to taste
  • olive oil for cooking the chicken (use enough to coat the skillet)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
  • Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 4–6 minutes, stirring and flipping frequently for even browning.
  • When the chicken is about halfway cooked, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring nearly constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet and stir continuously until the butter melts and the chicken is cooked through, about 4–5 more minutes.
  • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, and stir well to coat evenly.
  • Stir in the finely minced parsley, then sprinkle with freshly shaved Parmesan; stir to combine or leave on top when serving, as desired.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large high-sided skillet
  • Colander
  • Tongs or large spoon

Notes

  • Use any small-shaped pasta if you don't have penne.
  • Adjust lemon and salt to taste.
  • Parmesan can be stirred in or left on top when serving.
  • Minced garlic can be reduced if preferred.