Here’s a full, flavor-packed recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home!
🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Crispy, juicy chicken in a lemony garlic butter sauce, served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. Comfort food meets elegance.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 chicken cutlets)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds brightness)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
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2 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
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3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon juice for brightness
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Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken
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Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
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Add butter, then garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in lemon juice and optional zest. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over it. Set aside, loosely covered.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
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In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté briefly.
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Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
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Toss in the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve
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Plate creamy pasta and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken.
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Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a lemon wedge.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
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Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor.
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Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
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Want it spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.