Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A rich, comforting dish with bright lemon flavor, juicy chicken, and silky Parmesan pasta—perfect for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough for guests.
🌟 Introduction
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that wins everyone at the table. Tender chicken is pan-seared in garlic butter, finished with fresh lemon for brightness, then served over pasta coated in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made easily at home, all in about 30–35 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add butter and let it melt.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
Simmer 2–3 minutes, then remove chicken and keep warm.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In the same pan, add butter and garlic; sauté briefly.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add pasta and toss to coat.
Loosen with reserved pasta water if needed.
5️⃣ Serve
Slice chicken and place over creamy Parmesan pasta.
Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
🍽️ Texture & Flavor
Chicken: juicy, buttery, lemony
Pasta: creamy, cheesy, smooth
Overall: rich but balanced with fresh citrus
💡 Tips & Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon
Add spinach or broccoli to the pasta
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
For lighter version: use half-and-half instead of cream
❤️ Why This Dish Is a Favorite
One-pan sauce
Perfect balance of creamy & fresh
Family-friendly
Great for weeknights or special dinners
If you want, I can make this oven-baked, one-pan only, or low-carb (no pasta) version 🍝✨
