Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Comfort Food Favorite

When you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough to make at home, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the answer. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a zesty garlic butter sauce and paired with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.

This one-pan dinner combines the brightness of lemon, the richness of Parmesan, and the savory goodness of garlic butter — making it a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknights or date nights. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, using simple pantry staples you probably already have.

🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• ½ cup chicken broth

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

   • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

   • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

   • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

   • Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Return chicken to the pan, coating with sauce.

4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

   • In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

   • Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

5. Assemble & Serve

   • Plate creamy Parmesan pasta, top with lemon garlic butter chicken, and drizzle with extra sauce.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Results

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor (pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly).

• Reserve pasta water — it helps create a silky sauce.

• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.

Variations

• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or asparagus with the pasta.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

• Protein swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu instead of chicken.

• Low-carb version: Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ready in just 30 minutes
✔️ Comfort food with a fresh, zesty twist
✔️ Kid-friendly and date-night worthy
✔️ Creamy, cheesy pasta with juicy chicken