This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a cozy, restaurant-style meal you can make right at home. Tender pan-seared chicken gets coated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, then served over a rich and silky parmesan pasta. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough for guests. The bright lemon balances the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (if needed)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly dust each piece with flour to give it a golden, crisp finish when cooked.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of butter to melt into the sauce for extra richness. Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Reduce heat to low.
4. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until warm, then add the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens. Add black pepper and salt to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of pasta water to loosen it.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit on low heat for a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
7. Serve
Place a generous portion of creamy Parmesan pasta on each plate and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken. Drizzle extra sauce from the chicken skillet over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be slightly less thick.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra texture and flavor.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts; just adjust the cooking time.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g