🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Rich, creamy pasta + juicy, golden chicken with bright lemon flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch red pepper flakes

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Boil salted water.

2. Cook pasta until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.

4. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).

4. Remove from pan and rest.

3️⃣ Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, lower heat to medium.

2. Add butter and garlic; sauté 30 seconds.

3. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

4. Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over it.

5. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

6. Sprinkle parsley and remove from heat.

4️⃣ Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In another pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.

3. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in Parmesan until melted.

5. Add cooked pasta and toss.

6. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

7. Season to taste.

5️⃣ Serve

• Plate creamy pasta.

• Slice chicken and place on top.

• Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over everything.

• Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

🔥 Pro Tips

• Pound chicken slightly for even cooking.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce.

• Don’t boil the cream aggressively — keep it gentle.

• Add spinach to pasta for extra color and nutrition.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?

A: Yes, but sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tsp flour or extra cheese to thicken.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Chicken can be made ahead. Pasta sauce is best fresh.

Q: How do I prevent sauce from clumping?

A: Add cheese gradually and keep heat medium-low.

Q: Can I make it lighter?

A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter.

Q: What sides go well with this?

A: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad.