Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect combination of tangy, rich, and comforting flavors. Juicy, golden chicken breasts cooked in buttery garlic sauce are paired with creamy, cheesy pasta — a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.

Ingredients

🐔 For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 200 g (about 7 oz) spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Optional Additions

  • Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for gentle heat
  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
  • Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for variation

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the lemon juice (and zest if using). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
  5. Remove from heat and keep warm.

3. Cook the Pasta

  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.

4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine

  • Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated.
  • Serve the pasta on plates, topped with lemon garlic butter chicken and a spoonful of sauce from the pan.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

Description

This dish brings together the best of both worlds — zesty lemon-garlic butter chicken and rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. The flavors balance perfectly: the brightness of lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce, while the butter and garlic add depth and aroma. Each bite is silky, tangy, and comforting.

Tips for Success

  • Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken — it should stay juicy and tender.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the pan sauce for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that feels fancy yet takes under an hour to make. It’s cozy, creamy, and bursting with flavor — a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad
  • Garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce
  • A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for cream and use whole-grain pasta. You can also add spinach, kale, or zucchini noodles for extra nutrients. It’s a dish that proves indulgence and balance can beautifully coexist on one plate.

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