Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Comfort Meal You’ll Crave Again and Again
If you are looking for a restaurant-style dinner that you can easily make at home, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate recipe. It combines tender golden chicken, a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, and creamy Parmesan pasta that ties everything together into a cozy, irresistible dish.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep because it’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll break down the full recipe, give you pro cooking tips, and even suggest variations so you can customize it to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz (about 225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the rest. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice it into strips once slightly cooled.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any brown bits from the pan for maximum flavor.
Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In another pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden.
Pour in heavy cream and stir until warmed through.
Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Stir until creamy and smooth.
Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Place the creamy Parmesan pasta onto plates or into bowls.
Top with sliced lemon garlic butter chicken.
Drizzle the remaining lemon garlic sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t taste the same.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Slice it after resting so it stays juicy.
Grate your own Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Adjust the creaminess. If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with pasta water. If too thin, add more cheese.
Make it spicy. Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Variations You Can Try
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Cheese Lovers: Mix Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze only the chicken and sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just dinner—it’s comfort food at its finest. The tangy lemon, buttery garlic sauce, and rich Parmesan cream create a balanced flavor that makes every bite addictive.
Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.