Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect choice. Juicy, pan-seared chicken infused with bright lemon and rich garlic butter pairs beautifully with silky, cheesy pasta. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.
🍽️ Description
This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice for brightness. It’s served over creamy Parmesan pasta that’s smooth, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. The balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors makes every bite indulgent yet refreshing.
🌍 Origin and Cultural Significance
This recipe draws inspiration from classic Italian-American cuisine, where simple ingredients like butter, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese shine. Dishes featuring creamy pasta sauces became especially popular in the United States through adaptations of traditional Italian recipes such as Fettuccine Alfredo.
While authentic Italian cooking often uses lighter sauces, Italian-American cuisine embraces richer cream-based variations, symbolizing comfort food, family dinners, and celebratory gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients & Quantity
🐔 For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.
Toss pasta in the sauce until well coated.
Step 5: Serve
Plate pasta and top with sliced lemon garlic butter chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
✨ Optional Additions
Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach or kale for added greens
Sun-dried tomatoes
Grilled shrimp alongside chicken
Extra lemon slices for serving
💡 Tips for Success
Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting.
Don’t overcook the chicken — it can dry out quickly.
Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 650–750 kcal
Protein: 40–45 g
Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
Fat: 40–45 g
Calcium: ~20% DV
Vitamin C: Moderate (from lemon)
Values vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
🧡 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dish is rich and creamy, you can make lighter swaps:
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Substitute whole-wheat pasta.
Reduce butter slightly and add more lemon for brightness.
Add steamed broccoli or asparagus for balance.
Healthy indulgence means enjoying comforting meals in moderation while making thoughtful ingredient choices.
✅ Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and comforting satisfaction all in one dish. It’s easy to prepare, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
⭐ Recommendation
Perfect for:
Family dinners
Date nights at home
Small gatherings
Comfort food cravings
Pair it with a crisp green salad and sparkling water with lemon for a complete meal.
Say it with me… Yummy 😍😋
