Juicy, golden chicken breasts seared in garlic butter with a splash of lemon, served over rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Servings & Timing
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary Badges:
- Comfort Food
- Family Favorite
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti work best)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
- During the last minute, add garlic and lemon juice/zest, basting the chicken in the buttery sauce. Remove and keep warm.
-
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
-
Combine with Pasta:
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated.
- Season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Slice the chicken and place on top of the creamy pasta.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Tips & Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Want it extra lemony? Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
-
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes with the past
Storage - Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
Final Notes
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week. Comforting, zesty, and cheesy — it’s bound to be a family favorite!
