Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Rich, creamy, and bright with lemon—this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- 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. - Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter 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 skillet and set aside. - Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth.
Simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley, then remove chicken and keep warm. - Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In a separate pan (or cleaned skillet), melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add cooked pasta and toss, loosening sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. - Serve
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta.
Top with sliced lemon garlic butter chicken.
Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the top.
Tips & Variations
Add spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
Finish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon before serving.