Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
🟨 Introduction
Looking for a quick, indulgent, yet comforting dinner? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken with a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, served atop rich, creamy pasta. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. 😍
📝 Description
This dish features pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. The flavors are bright, savory, and slightly tangy, while the pasta adds a comforting, creamy texture. It’s a restaurant-style meal made simple in your own kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
6 oz (about 170 g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional thyme.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Let sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
4️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss in cooked pasta until coated.
5️⃣ Assemble
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with lemon garlic butter chicken.
Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
🌎 Origin and Cultural Significance
This dish is rooted in Italian-American cuisine, blending classic Italian pasta techniques with American adaptations like pan-seared chicken and lemon-butter sauces. It reflects the comfort food tradition of combining protein, pasta, and rich, flavorful sauces into a satisfying, complete meal.
✨ Optional Additions
Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus to the pasta for color and nutrients
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a mild heat
Use grilled or roasted chicken instead of pan-seared for a smoky flavor
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
💡 Tips for Success
✔ Pat chicken dry before cooking for a golden crust
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta—it will finish cooking slightly in the sauce
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth, creamy results
✔ Let the sauce simmer gently; high heat can curdle cream
✔ Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 550–650 kcal
Protein: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
Fat: 30–35 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
💛 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Despite being rich and creamy, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients. Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reducing butter slightly, can lighten it while keeping the indulgent flavor.
🍽 Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect combination of tangy, buttery, and creamy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to impress guests.
🌟 Recommendation
Serve with:
Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
Crusty garlic bread
A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
This dish delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all on one plate. 🍋🧈🍝
