Here’s a rich, zesty, and ultra-satisfying dish: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Tender chicken is seared in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce, then served over silky, cheesy pasta — perfect for a cozy dinner or an elevated weeknight meal.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
-
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
-
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
-
8 oz fettuccine or linguine
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
-
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Reserved pasta water (as needed to thin sauce)
Instructions:
🔹 1. Cook the pasta:
-
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
-
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🔹 2. Season and sear the chicken:
-
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Remove to a plate and cover loosely.
🔹 3. Make the lemon garlic butter:
-
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
-
Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
-
Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Scrape up any brown bits.
🔹 4. Make the creamy Parmesan pasta:
-
In a separate pan (or the same skillet after removing sauce), melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
-
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
-
Add drained pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
🔹 5. Serve:
-
Slice chicken and return to pan with lemon butter sauce, spooning sauce over top.
-
Plate pasta and top with chicken and sauce.
-
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
✅ Tips & Variations:
-
Add spinach or peas to the pasta for extra veggies.
-
Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood version.
-
Use angel hair for a lighter pasta texture.
Would you like this as a one-pan version or adapted for meal prep?