Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Description

This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts seared in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. The bright citrus cuts through the richness, while the garlic and butter create deep flavor. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

📝 Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small), pounded to even thickness
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 250g (9 oz) fettuccine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.
2. Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Stir in lemon juice, a pinch of chili flakes, and scrape browned bits for flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In another pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy.
4. Toss in cooked pasta, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

• Slice chicken, drizzle with lemon garlic butter sauce, and serve over creamy Parmesan pasta.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

🍽 Servings

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg

💡 Notes

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.
• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Adjust creaminess of pasta by adding more or less pasta water.

🔑 Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter pasta.
• Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth, non-grainy sauce.

🌿 Health Benefits

• Protein-rich: Chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair.
• Bone support: Parmesan adds calcium and phosphorus.
• Antioxidants: Lemon and garlic support immunity and digestion.
• Comfort food with balance: A mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor, just adjust cooking time.

Q2: Can I make it ahead?
The pasta is best fresh, but chicken can be cooked ahead and reheated in sauce.

Q3: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well.

Q4: How can I make it lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta, substitute half-and-half for cream, and reduce butter.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.