Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta 

 

A rich and comforting dish where tender golden chicken meets silky, creamy parmesan pasta. Every bite bursts with garlic, lemon, butter, and restaurant-level flavor — all made easily at home!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional but AMAZING)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Salt & pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt around the chicken.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken and let it simmer for 30 seconds.
8. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tbsp butter.
3. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until a smooth sauce forms.
6. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Add pasta directly into the sauce, tossing well.
8. Add pasta water little by little until the sauce is silky and coats the noodles perfectly.
9. If you want brighter flavor, add a splash of lemon juice.

3. Bring It All Together

• Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it on top of the pasta.
• Spoon some garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra Parmesan.

Serving Tips

This dish tastes like a restaurant meal — serve with:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Caesar salad
• Extra lemon wedges