If you love rich, creamy pasta and juicy, flavorful chicken, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is going to be your new obsession! Perfectly seasoned chicken breast is pan-seared in a garlicky lemon butter sauce, then tossed with creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comforting meal.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for company — and trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes!
🍋 Bright & Flavorful: Lemon and garlic cut through the richness perfectly.
🧀 Creamy & Comforting: Silky Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
👨👩👦 Family Favorite: Everyone — even picky eaters — will love it!
🥣 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small), halved horizontally
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or any pasta you love)
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan — that’s where all the flavor is!
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until well coated. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Slice and Add the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place it over the creamy pasta. Spoon some sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, an extra squeeze of lemon juice, and a little more Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce.
Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
🧊 Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Freeze: You can freeze the chicken separately, but the sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
❤️ Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken — juicy is key!
Adjust lemon juice to your taste; a bit more adds brightness.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra gourmet touch.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dinner you’ll never get tired of. The zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich cream sauce come together in perfect harmony — and it’s all made in one pan!
It’s no wonder my family always says “YUMMY!” every time I make it. Serve it up on a cozy evening and watch it disappear fast. 😍🍋🧄🍝
