Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner with a Zesty Twist

When comfort food meets fresh, zesty flavors, you get something magical—like this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and bright, rich and refreshing. Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs (or breasts) are coated in a lemony garlic butter sauce and served over a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta that feels straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

It’s a one-pan wonder that’s weeknight-friendly but elegant enough for dinner guests. Whether you’re looking to impress someone or just indulge in a bowl of creamy, citrus-kissed pasta, this is the recipe that delivers every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes

• One-pan friendly: Less mess, more flavor

• Creamy and tangy: Rich Parmesan cream balanced with lemon and garlic

• Customizable: Works with chicken breast, thighs, or even shrimp

• Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike

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Ingredients Overview

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, more parsley

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Pot for boiling pasta

• Tongs or spatula

• Microplane for zesting lemon

• Measuring cups & spoons

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

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

3. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

4. Remove from skillet and tent with foil.

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Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter and let it melt.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Add lemon juice and zest, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

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Step 3: Boil the Pasta

1. In a separate pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

2. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.

3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In the same skillet with lemon butter, add 1 tbsp butter and garlic.

2. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Slowly add Parmesan cheese, whisking to melt and combine.

4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add pasta water to thin sauce.

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

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

1. Slice chicken and nestle into the pasta.

2. Spoon over any remaining lemon butter sauce.

3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

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Flavor Profile

This dish brings layers of comfort and brightness:

• Savory garlic and umami-rich Parmesan

• Zesty lemon that cuts through the richness

• Creamy pasta that clings to every bite of tender chicken

• A whisper of herbs and pepper to round it out

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Substitutions & Variations

Protein Options

• Shrimp: Sear in the same pan and cook just 2–3 minutes per side.

• Tofu: Pan-fry seasoned tofu slabs for a vegetarian option.

• Pork chops: Thin-cut, boneless chops work great here too.

Pasta Choices

• Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti

• Penne or rigatoni for a chunkier version

• Gluten-free or low-carb (zoodles or hearts of palm)

Dairy-Free?

Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternatives.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cook chicken and store with lemon garlic sauce in the fridge.

• Boil pasta fresh and reheat sauce before combining.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.

• Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen sauce.

Not recommended for freezing due to dairy-based sauce separation.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 650

• Protein: 40g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 35g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

High in protein and satisfying fats — perfect as a one-bowl meal.

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Serving Suggestions

Sides:

• Garlic bread or herb focaccia

• Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach

• Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and basil

Drinks:

• White wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

• Sparkling lemonade or citrus iced tea

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FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, just be sure not to overcook. Pound them to even thickness for even cooking.

Can I make this without cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner.

What if I want it extra lemony?

Add another ½ lemon’s juice at the end for a punchier finish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just omit red pepper flakes and serve the sauce mild.

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Recipe Card

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 40 min

Serves: 4

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion

Ingredients:

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice + zest of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley

Pasta

• 8 oz pasta

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup Parmesan

• ¼ cup pasta water

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season and sear chicken 5–6 min/side in olive oil. Set aside.

2. In same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, add lemon juice/zest. Simmer.

3. Boil pasta in separate pot, reserve water, and drain.

4. Add cream and garlic to skillet. Stir in Parmesan to make sauce.

5. Add pasta and reserved water. Toss to coat.

6. Slice chicken and serve over creamy pasta. Garnish and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Citrus

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that comforts without being heavy. It’s zesty, rich, and filled with flavors that feel both indulgent and fresh. With just one pan and simple ingredients, it’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques to create a show-stopping dish.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself — this one’s a keeper.