Here’s a delicious and detailed recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — a one-pan (or one-pot) meal that’s rich, zesty, garlicky, and ultra comforting. The golden seared chicken is smothered in a lemony garlic butter sauce and served over creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend dish.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
📌 Servings: 4
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: ~40 mins
🧾 Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small), halved lengthwise into cutlets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (light coating for browning)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon zest for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning)
🌿 Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- More Parmesan
🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🔹 Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sear chicken cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
🔹 Step 3: Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth (or white wine).
- Scrape up the brown bits from the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over it, then remove from heat and set aside (covered).
🔹 Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In a separate saucepan or large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil).
- Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
🔹 Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the creamy pasta in shallow bowls or a platter.
- Top with lemon garlic chicken and drizzle remaining sauce over everything.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, extra Parmesan, and serve hot!
🔁 Variations & Add-ins
- Spinach or kale can be stirred into the pasta for added greens.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and flour.
❓FAQs – Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
🔹 Can I make this ahead?
You can cook the chicken and pasta sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
🔹 Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but it will be thinner. For best results, use half & half or thicken with a 1 tsp cornstarch slurry.
🔹 What’s the best pasta type for this dish?
Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine work beautifully, but penne or rigatoni are great for catching the sauce too.
🔹 Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Cook a little longer (~5–6 minutes per side) until fully done.
🔹 What wine pairs well?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the lemon and garlic flavors.
Would you like a one-pan baked version, a low-carb variation, or a printable recipe card for this dish?