Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

⏱ Prep: 20 minutes
⏱ Cook: 30 minutes
🍽 Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🍝 Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

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

3. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Remove chicken and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter to the same skillet.

3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth.

5. Simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.

6. Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over top.

7. Sprinkle with parsley and simmer 3–5 minutes.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.

5. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

7. Toss pasta in sauce until fully coated.

🍽️ Serve

• Plate creamy Parmesan pasta.

• Top with lemon garlic butter chicken.

• Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over everything.

• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting.

• Don’t boil the cream — keep it at a gentle simmer.

• Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens too much.

🥗 Optional Add-Ins

• Spinach stirred into pasta

• Steamed broccoli or asparagus

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Mushrooms sautéed with garlic

🥄 Approximate Nutrition (per serving)

• 700–850 calories

• 45–55g protein

• Rich, comforting, and filling