Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy Parmesan pasta is the perfect combination of zesty, savory, and comforting flavors. The chicken is pan-seared until golden and coated in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, while the pasta is tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough to make at home on a busy weeknight.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and easy to prepare, this one is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the creamy Parmesan pasta:
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8 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
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Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or fillets.
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Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6–7 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Add lemon juice and toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
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Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy Parmesan sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper, stirring until smooth and creamy.
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Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
Step 4: Combine and serve
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Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta alongside the lemon garlic butter chicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
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Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips and Variations
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Use fettuccine or linguine instead of spaghetti for a richer texture.
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Add red pepper flakes to the chicken for a spicy kick.
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Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
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For lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Lemon garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together juicy, flavorful chicken and rich pasta in one satisfying meal. This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, making it a versatile dish you’ll want to cook again and again.