Perfect choice! Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting dish with tender, juicy chicken smothered in lemon-garlic butter, paired with silky, cheesy pasta. Below is the full detailed recipe for you:
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless & skinless, sliced in half lengthwise)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano or thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water with ½ tsp bouillon)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 250g (about 8 oz) spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or full-fat milk + 1 tbsp flour for lighter option)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later, and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
- Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In another skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until creamy and silky.
Step 4 – Serve
- Place a serving of creamy Parmesan pasta onto each plate.
- Slice the chicken and arrange on top.
- Drizzle with extra lemon-garlic butter sauce from the chicken pan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed spinach or broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition.
- For extra indulgence, stir in ½ cup mozzarella to the pasta sauce.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt (add off the heat to prevent curdling).
This dish is restaurant-quality and perfect for a cozy dinner — buttery, garlicky chicken with zesty lemon, balanced beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta.
Would you like me to also prepare a one-pan version of this recipe (where chicken and pasta are cooked together for less cleanup)?