Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting yet elegant meal that brings together bold flavor and creamy indulgence. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is coated in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, then served over tender pasta tossed in a silky Parmesan cream. The result is a perfectly balanced dish—bright citrus, savory garlic, and rich cheese all working together in harmony.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, but it’s also impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright lemon flavor balanced with rich creaminess
Juicy, flavorful chicken
Restaurant-quality meal made at home
Ready in under 45 minutes
Perfect for family dinners or date nights

Ingredients

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes

Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot for pasta
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Prep Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: 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 of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.

Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

In a separate pan or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Serve creamy Parmesan pasta on plates or in bowls and top with lemon garlic butter chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls
Pair with a crisp green salad
Add roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Finish with extra Parmesan or lemon wedges

Tips for Best Results

Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking
Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce
Don’t overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned
Adjust lemon juice to taste
Reserve pasta water for perfect sauce consistency

Variations

Creamy Lemon Pasta: Add lemon zest to pasta sauce
Spinach Addition: Stir fresh spinach into the pasta
Shrimp Option: Replace chicken with shrimp
Light Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave
Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce

A Dish That Feels Special but Simple

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect balance of bright, savory, and indulgent. It’s a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 4