Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a flavor-packed and indulgent dish: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — tender, juicy chicken in a lemon-garlic butter sauce served over luscious, cheesy pasta. It’s a one-pan, restaurant-style meal that’s perfect for weeknights or date nights.

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🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🍽️ Servings: 4

🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes

🍳 One Pan + One Pot

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🧾 Ingredients

🔹 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

🔹 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

2. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

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🔹 2. Season and Sear the Chicken

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

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil + butter over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

4. Remove and let rest.

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🔹 3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

2. Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water to deglaze the pan.

3. Return chicken to pan briefly to coat with the sauce. Remove chicken again and set aside.

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🔹 4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In a clean pan (or same skillet), melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic, then stir in cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.

4. Add pasta and toss to coat. Use pasta water to thin sauce to your desired consistency.

5. Stir in red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick).

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🔹 5. Serve

• Plate the creamy pasta. Top with sliced or whole chicken.

• Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over chicken.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or more Parmesan.

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🧄 Tips & Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.

• Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pasta.

• Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a low-carb version.

• Want it extra creamy? Stir in a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.