Bright, zesty lemon meets rich, creamy parmesan in this irresistible dish. Tender chicken bathed in buttery garlic sauce pairs perfectly with silky pasta for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. It’s the kind of dinner that comforts and impresses all at once.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

For the creamy parmesan pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Reserved pasta water as needed

Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Sauce – Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet; cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken and spoon sauce over the pieces.
3. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some water.
4. Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce – In another pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add cream. Stir in parmesan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta and toss, thinning with reserved water if necessary.
5. Assemble – Serve chicken over the creamy pasta, drizzling with extra lemon garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of parsley.

Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
• Use linguine, penne, or zucchini noodles for a twist.
• Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for depth.
• For a brighter taste, add extra lemon juice or a splash of white wine.

Tips

• Pound chicken to even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.
• Remove chicken at 165°F internal temperature to keep it juicy.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and texture.
• If sauce thickens too much, loosen with pasta water or milk.
• For a caramelized finish, broil chicken briefly before serving.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is **a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors.** It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests. With minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that satisfies every craving and turns dinner into a special occasion.