Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served alongside pasta coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight meal, this recipe balances fresh citrus flavors with creamy, cheesy indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 200 g (about 7 oz) spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional Additions:
- Spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost
- Red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Grilled shrimp or salmon as a variation instead of chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and optionally the lemon zest. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a little reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated. Serve the pasta on plates, topped with lemon garlic butter chicken and a spoonful of sauce from the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh lemon zest along with lemon juice in the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the pasta for added nutrition and color.
- For a spicier variation, sprinkle red pepper flakes while making the sauce.
- For a seafood twist, replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserved pasta water helps to adjust sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to pasta better.
Keywords: Lemon garlic chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken dinner recipe, easy stovetop chicken, one-pan chicken recipe, creamy pasta sauce