Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a restaurant-quality recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — rich, zesty, buttery, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan-style meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

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🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🍴 Serves: 4

🕒 Total Time: ~40 minutes

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🧄 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (or use thighs)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

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

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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🔪 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

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

3. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. During the last minute, add garlic, lemon juice, and zest to the pan. Spoon the buttery sauce over the chicken.

5. Remove chicken and keep warm. Reserve the garlic-lemon butter in the pan.

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🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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🧀 Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same pan (don’t wipe it!), add 2 tbsp butter and the minced garlic over medium heat.

2. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer until thickened — about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.

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🍋 Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Slice the cooked chicken and place over the creamy pasta.

2. Drizzle any remaining lemon garlic butter over the top.

3. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and fresh lemon slices if desired.

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🌟 Tips:

• Add spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta for a veggie boost.

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for cream.

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and make only the sauce/pasta.