Name: Garlic Butter Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Herb Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 8 oz spaghetti or linguine; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Grated parmesan (for serving, optional)

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This Garlic Butter Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Herb Pasta is a beautifully balanced dish that combines tender, seared chicken with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and a bed of herbed pasta. Finished with a drizzle of garlic butter and a hint of lemon, this meal is light, bright, and comforting—perfect for weeknights or elegant enough for a casual dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour
Rich garlic butter adds flavor without heaviness
The lemon herb pasta balances the dish with zesty freshness
Roasted cherry tomatoes provide natural sweetness and acidity
A complete, well-rounded meal in one plate

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips or chunks
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Garlic cloves, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme
Lemon juice and zest
Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
Salt and black pepper
Red onion (optional, for added flavor and color)
Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly blistered, about 5–7 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add lemon zest, juice, and chopped herbs.
Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix everything well until coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist
Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
Add spinach or arugula for extra greens
Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more intense flavor
Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce
Not recommended for freezing, as the pasta texture may change
Add a fresh squeeze of lemon when reheating to refresh the flavor

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, simply add it during the final steps to warm through with the sauce and tomatoes.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne all work well. The key is to use a pasta that holds onto the garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes. Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty, plant-based alternative.

What herbs are best in this recipe?

Fresh parsley, basil, and thyme are all excellent. You can also use oregano or chives.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cook over medium heat and remove from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Can I roast the tomatoes instead of sautéing?

Yes. Roasting adds more depth. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes before adding them to the pasta.

Does the lemon make the dish sour?

No, it adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic butter.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be stirred in at the end for extra richness.

Is this good for meal prep?

It keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it great for lunch or dinner leftovers.

What should I serve this with?

It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed green vegetables.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Herb Pasta is a versatile and flavorful recipe that satisfies without being heavy. With its balance of savory, fresh, and slightly tangy notes, it’s a go-to dish for both comfort and elegance. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this meal is sure to impress.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Herb Pasta

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Juicy garlic butter chicken served over lemon herb pasta, tossed with burst cherry tomatoes for a fresh, zesty, and comforting meal. A quick yet elegant dinner with bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéed
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and starting to burst. Add chili flakes if using.
Slice cooked chicken and return to the pan to rewarm slightly.
Add drained pasta to the skillet along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve pasta topped with sliced chicken, extra herbs, and parmesan if desired.