When it comes to comfort food that feels both indulgent and elegant, nothing beats a perfectly cooked chicken dish paired with a rich pasta. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home. The tender chicken is seared to golden perfection, infused with fresh garlic, butter, and zesty lemon juice. On the side, a creamy pasta tossed in Parmesan cheese brings everything together into a dish that feels luxurious yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, and variations to make this meal even more delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a comforting weeknight recipe, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy but impressive – You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish look and taste amazing.
- Balanced flavors – The brightness of lemon balances the richness of the buttery garlic sauce and the creaminess of the pasta.
- Family-friendly – Both kids and adults will love the combination of tender chicken and cheesy pasta.
- Perfect for meal prep – You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat for a quick meal.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 250g (8 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then stir in lemon juice and zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes until fully coated.
3. Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until fully coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Assemble the Dish
Serve the creamy pasta on one side of the plate and the lemon garlic butter chicken on the other. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often contains fillers that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in the creaminess of your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – To keep it juicy, remove it from the skillet once it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Balance flavors – Taste the lemon sauce before adding the chicken back in. If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or more butter.
- Pasta water trick – Always save some starchy pasta water; it helps the sauce stick to the pasta and gives it a silky finish.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick – Add crushed red chili flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Vegetable Boost – Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta.
- Protein Swap – Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
- Low-carb version – Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic bread or warm baguette makes the perfect side.
- For drinks, pair with white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months, but the creamy pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a recipe that deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare without requiring complicated ingredients. The bright citrusy chicken combined with the creamy pasta creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
Whether you’re preparing it for your family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe guarantees compliments. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for both special occasions and weeknight comfort meals.