Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Juicy, golden-seared chicken meets a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta — all brightened up with fresh lemon for a burst of flavor. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests!
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Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning the sauce)
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken halves with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan (or the same skillet after transferring the chicken), melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Combine & Serve
Slice the chicken and place it on top of the creamy pasta. Drizzle with the lemon garlic butter from the pan.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
How to Make (Summary)
Season → Sear chicken → Make lemon garlic butter sauce → Cook pasta → Prepare creamy Parmesan sauce → Toss pasta → Top with chicken → Garnish & serve.
Variations
Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different twist.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole-wheat pasta.
Tips
Don’t overcook the chicken — sear until just done for juicy results.
Always reserve some pasta water — it helps your sauce cling perfectly.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Add the lemon juice off the heat to keep the sauce from curdling.
Garnish right before serving for the freshest look and flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy, zesty, and irresistibly rich — this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s the perfect meal to impress family or guests any night of the week.