Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comforting and flavorful combo. The zesty, buttery chicken pairs perfectly with rich, cheesy pasta for a dish that tastes like a restaurant meal but is easy enough to make at home.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
🔪 Prep Time: 15 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 mins
🍽️ Serves: 4
âś… Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika (optional)
2–3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz (about 225g) fettuccine or linguine (or pasta of choice)
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
Âľ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Salt & pepper, to taste
ÂĽ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Reserved pasta water, as needed to thin the sauce
👩‍🍳 Instructions
🍗 Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add lemon juice and zest, then return the chicken to the pan. Toss to coat. Keep warm on low heat.
🍝 Make the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy water before draining.
In a separate saucepan or cleaned skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté 2 cloves garlic for 30 seconds.
Add cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Stir until smooth. Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
🥗 To Serve:
Plate creamy pasta, then top with the lemon garlic butter chicken.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve with lemon wedges or a side of garlic bread if you like.
đź’ˇ Tips & Variations:
Lighter version: Use milk + a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Veggie add-ins: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on seasonings.