If you’re craving a creamy, zesty pasta that’s loaded with tender chicken and rich garlic flavor, this Garlic Butter Penne with Lemon Chicken Alfredo is your new weeknight hero. Succulent pieces of chicken are tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon, smothering al dente penne in creamy Parmesan goodness. Every bite is indulgent, comforting, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a family-approved comfort food feast.
This recipe balances rich, velvety Alfredo with the brightness of lemon and the kick of Cajun seasoning, giving traditional pasta dishes a fresh, modern twist. With just one skillet and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
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Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible for all ages.
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One-Skillet Convenience: Minimal cleanup and fuss.
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Customizable Flavor: Cajun seasoning and lemon give it a zesty, flavorful punch.
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Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy—everyone loves it.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts – Tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly and soak up all the garlic butter flavor.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken evenly while adding a subtle richness.
Cajun Seasoning & Paprika – Adds smoky, mildly spicy depth to the chicken.
Penne Pasta – Perfect shape to hold the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Butter – Creates a rich, garlicky base for the sauce.
Garlic – Infuses every bite with aromatic flavor.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Parmesan Cheese – Sharp, salty flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce.
Chicken Broth – Adds depth and helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating.
Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the richness of the cream.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts over the pasta for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Green Onions – Adds a fresh, crisp garnish to finish the dish.
Pro Tips
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Don’t overcook the chicken – 1-inch pieces cook quickly; remove from heat as soon as they’re no longer pink.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives a smoother, creamier sauce.
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Cook pasta al dente – It will finish cooking in the sauce and hold its shape.
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Adjust sauce thickness – Add extra chicken broth or cream if needed for a silkier consistency.
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Brighten the flavor – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving elevates the dish.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Chicken Alternatives: Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
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Pasta Options: Penne can be swapped with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
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Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or Fontina for different melty textures.
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Spice Variation: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or smoked paprika for smokiness.
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Creamier Version: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese for an even richer, ultra-creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with:
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A crisp Caesar or garden salad to balance the richness.
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Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
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Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for color and crunch.
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A light white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony notes.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep Ahead: Chop chicken and garlic in advance for faster cooking.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce consistency.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, but pasta without sauce can be frozen for future use.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Alfredo sauce has Italian-American roots, originally made with butter and Parmesan. This recipe modernizes the classic with garlic butter, zesty lemon, and Cajun-seasoned chicken for a bold, flavorful twist that elevates simple comfort food to an indulgent meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and forgiving, but adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil, use dairy-free cream or coconut milk, and a plant-based Parmesan substitute.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining and stir in as needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep chicken and pasta separately; combine and heat sauce just before serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely! Increase Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat, or reduce it for a milder dish.
Garlic Butter Penne with Lemon Chicken and Alfredo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
