Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

by

⏱ Time

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 25 minutes
  • Total: ~40 minutes

🍽 Servings

  • 4 servings

🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Pasta water (as needed)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry
  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden
  • Remove and set aside

Step 4: Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Lower heat to medium
  • Add butter to the same pan
  • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
  • Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth
  • Simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits

Step 5: Finish the Chicken

  • Stir in heavy cream
  • Return chicken to skillet
  • Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens
  • Garnish with parsley and set aside

Step 6: Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • In another pan, melt butter over medium heat
  • Add garlic, cook 30 seconds
  • Pour in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes
  • Stir in Parmesan until smooth
  • Add pasta and toss to coat
  • Thin with pasta water if needed
  • Season to taste

Step 7: Serve

  • Plate creamy Parmesan pasta
  • Top with lemon garlic butter chicken
  • Spoon extra sauce over the top

✨ Pro Tips

  • Pound chicken evenly for juicy results
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded)
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat

🍽 Optional Add-Ins

  • Spinach or asparagus
  • Mushrooms
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Shrimp instead of chicken

🧡 Perfect Pairings

  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Simple green salad

If you want, I can:

  • Make this air fryer chicken version
  • Create a one-pan recipe
  • Rewrite it for Pinterest, Reels, or your recipe website

Just tell me 👌

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