Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

There’s something magical about meals that strike the perfect balance between bright, zesty freshness and deep, comforting richness. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pan-seared to golden perfection, kissed with garlic and butter, then paired with pasta that’s coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest.

It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and easygoing — one that could just as easily be served for a cozy weeknight dinner as it could for impressing guests at a dinner party. What makes it shine is the harmony of flavors: lemon cutting through the richness, garlic adding its irresistible aroma, and Parmesan lending that salty, nutty depth.

This is comfort food with a fresh twist, the kind of meal that makes you want to twirl every last strand of pasta around your fork and savor the sauce until the very last drop. In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe works so beautifully, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works

The chicken is pan-seared for flavor – Cooking the chicken first ensures you lock in moisture while creating that golden crust that’s packed with flavor.

Lemon brightens everything – Lemon juice and zest add freshness, lifting the cream and butter so the dish doesn’t feel too heavy.

Garlic and butter = irresistible – Together they create a rich, aromatic base that permeates both the chicken and the pasta.

Parmesan cream sauce ties it together – Cream, Parmesan, and a touch of pasta water create a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce.

Simple ingredients, big payoff – With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create something that tastes indulgent without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of color and smokiness)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy Parmesan lemon sauce.

Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the pasta.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Cooking Tips for Success

Pound chicken evenly – If the breasts are thick, pound them slightly to even thickness for faster, more uniform cooking.

Don’t skip resting the chicken – This locks in juices so your chicken stays tender.

Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Adjust the lemon flavor – Start with less juice and add more to taste if you want it extra tangy.

Save that pasta water – The starchy water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce beautifully.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Swap chicken for shrimp and cook them quickly in butter and garlic before adding to the pasta.

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Add-In – Stir in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of cream, or swap for evaporated milk.

Extra Cheesy – Add mozzarella or Asiago cheese for a different cheesy twist.

Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Bread – A must-have for mopping up the sauce.

Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or arugula salad adds freshness.

Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini pair beautifully.

White Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the creaminess.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when thawed.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe delivers everything you want in a dinner: juicy, flavorful chicken, rich yet bright pasta, and a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests. The balance of creamy and zesty makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something that feels special. The golden chicken, silky pasta, and lemon-kissed cream sauce create harmony on the plate, giving you comfort and elegance in every bite.

Whether you serve it with crusty garlic bread, a simple salad, or even just on its own, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Next time you’re craving a meal that’s both cozy and classy, grab some chicken, pasta, and lemons — and let your skillet do the rest.

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