Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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Few dishes can strike the perfect balance between zesty freshness and creamy indulgence quite like Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken paired with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe is a comforting yet vibrant meal that delivers tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce, all served alongside silky pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan cream. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can create right at home with simple ingredients and a little care.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe shines because it combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and an elegant presentation that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Let’s walk through each step so you can master this dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded slightly to even thickness)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine (spaghetti works as well)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on the saltiness of your Parmesan)

  • Extra Parmesan and parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This not only gives the chicken deep flavor but also helps create a beautiful golden crust when searing.

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible depth to the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and keep it warm while preparing the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the consistency of your sauce later if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, reducing slightly to thicken.

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated and silky.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta first, making a soft bed for the chicken. Place the lemon garlic butter chicken breasts on top or alongside the pasta, spooning extra lemon butter sauce over the chicken for maximum flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F and remove them promptly.

  2. Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can result in a grainy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference.

  3. Balance the flavors: The tang of lemon and richness of Parmesan are bold; taste as you go to avoid overseasoning.

  4. Pasta water magic: If your sauce feels too thick or clings too heavily, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it while keeping the sauce creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers everything you crave in a satisfying dinner: tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and garlic, paired with pasta swimming in creamy, cheesy goodness. The lemon butter sauce cuts through the richness of the Parmesan cream, creating a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet refreshing. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve guests.

Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a glass of chilled white wine to elevate the dining experience even further. Leftovers, if any remain, reheat beautifully the next day, making it a practical and delicious option for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a recipe that beautifully blends freshness and comfort. It’s proof that with a handful of quality ingredients and a few thoughtful steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish at home. Once you try it, it will quickly become a family favorite and a go-to for whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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