Juicy, golden chicken breasts seared in garlic butter with a splash of lemon, served over rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
🥘 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
Yield: 2–3 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary Badges:
Comfort Food
Family Favorite
✅ Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti work best)
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
During the last minute, add garlic and lemon juice/zest, basting the chicken in the buttery sauce. Remove and keep warm.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated.
Season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
Slice the chicken and place on top of the creamy pasta.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
🔑 Tips & Notes
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Want it extra lemony? Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
🌟 Variations
Low-Carb/Keto: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta.
❄️ Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
💌 Final Notes
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week. Comforting, zesty, and cheesy — it’s bound to be a family favorite!