Introduction
Tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce and served over creamy Parmesan pasta makes this dish an irresistible dinner. The bright flavor of lemon balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan, while garlic and herbs add plenty of savory flavor.
It comes together in one skillet and is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner guests will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Allow it to simmer gently for another 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Cook the Pasta
While preparing the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta.
5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with black pepper and salt.
If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky, creamy consistency.
6. Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce.
Toss gently until every strand is coated.
Cook for another minute or two over low heat, adding a little more pasta water if necessary.
7. Serve
Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta between plates.
Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta.
Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and pasta.
Finish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Keep the Parmesan sauce over low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Optional Additions
For extra vegetables and flavor, add:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Roasted bell peppers
You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating the pasta, add a splash of milk, cream, or water and warm gently over low heat. This helps loosen the Parmesan sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings together tender, flavorful chicken, bright lemon, fragrant garlic, buttery pan sauce, and rich Parmesan pasta in one comforting meal. It’s an easy dinner that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques.