Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a flavorful and comforting recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—juicy chicken with a tangy, buttery sauce over rich, cheesy pasta.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil)

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.

3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest; stir and let simmer 2–3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.

4. Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In a separate pan, heat butter and cream over medium heat.
2. Add Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss in cooked pasta until well coated.

5. Serve

• Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with lemon garlic butter chicken.
• Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
• You can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the pasta for a complete meal.

I can also give a one-pan version where the pasta cooks in the same skillet as the chicken and sauce, making cleanup super easy and the flavors even richer.

Do you want me to provide that version?