Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

If you are craving a dish that feels indulgent, comforting, and utterly satisfying, then this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. This recipe combines juicy chicken seared in a buttery garlic sauce, zesty hints of fresh lemon, and a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta that ties everything together. The result is a restaurant-quality dish you can make right in your own kitchen without the hefty price tag.

This is one of those meals that can easily become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or preparing something impressive for guests, this recipe works beautifully. It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Why This Dish Works So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors:

• The garlic butter chicken is savory and aromatic.
• The lemon juice and zest cut through the richness, adding brightness.
• The creamy Parmesan pasta provides a velvety base that ties the dish together.

The combination creates a meal that is hearty yet refreshing, creamy yet zesty—perfect for those who want both comfort and sophistication on their plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use thighs for more juiciness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-StepInstructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
4. Lower heat, add minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Remove chicken and set aside, covered, to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
6. Toss in the drained pasta, coating evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Slice the chicken into strips or keep whole.
2. Serve chicken on top of the creamy Parmesan pasta.
3. Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Success

• Always use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness of fresh.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged cheese won’t melt smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
• Save pasta water: It’s starchy and helps bind the sauce perfectly.
• Add veggies: Spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Variations You Can Try

• Shrimp instead of chicken: Lemon garlic shrimp with creamy pasta is a delicious twist.
• Spicy version: Add more chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Cheese lovers’ version: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Baked version: Place pasta and chicken in a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

What to Serve With This Dish

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette to scoop up the sauce.
• A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
• A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: The sauce doesn’t freeze well, but chicken can be frozen separately.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: ~690
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: ~740mg

(Values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a little flour or cream cheese.

Q: What pasta works best?
Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works beautifully, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works.

Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat pasta with sauce and add chicken before serving.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s a comfort meal that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and the refreshing brightness of lemon. Whether you’re making it for your family or impressing dinner guests, it’s a guaranteed success.

With minimal effort, you get a dish that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.