Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

You’re speaking my love language now — Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal with a zesty, savory twist! 🍋🧄🧈🧀

Here’s a restaurant-style yet weeknight-easy recipe that brings it all together in one epic dish:

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🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🛒 Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest if desired)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the creamy parmesan pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep and Cook the Chicken:

1. Butterfly or pound chicken to even thickness.

2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.

4. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp).

5. In the last minute of cooking, add garlic and lemon juice to the pan and spoon the buttery mixture over the chicken.

6. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest. Slice just before serving.

2. Cook the Pasta:

1. In salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (wipe if too brown), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute.

3. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

5. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.

4. Assemble & Serve:

1. Toss cooked pasta into the creamy parmesan sauce.

2. Plate pasta and top with sliced lemon garlic butter chicken.

3. Garnish with parsley, extra lemon zest, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

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✅ Optional Add-Ins:

• Spinach or cherry tomatoes (sautéed with the garlic)

• Red pepper flakes for a little heat

• Swap chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling fancy