
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is it! Tender golden chicken breasts are seared to perfection and served over a bed of silky pasta coated in a luxurious lemon-garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for a date night.
Ingredients**
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 250 g (8 oz) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
Instructions**
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Squeeze half a lemon over the cooked chicken, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Methods Explained**
- Searing the Chicken: Locks in juices and adds deep flavor.
- Deglazing the Pan: Using broth and lemon juice helps lift flavorful bits from the pan to enhance the sauce.
- Cream Emulsion: Mixing cream and cheese gradually creates a smooth, velvety texture without curdling.
History of the Dish**
The idea of combining lemon, butter, and garlic originated from Italian and French cuisines, where chefs prized the trio for its balance of richness and acidity. Over time, home cooks added cream and cheese to make the sauce heartier, evolving into modern comfort dishes like Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Benefits**
- Protein-packed: Chicken provides lean, muscle-building protein.
- Rich in Calcium: Parmesan adds bone-strengthening calcium.
- Immune Boosting: Garlic and lemon are natural immunity enhancers.
- Mood-Boosting Comfort Food: The combination of carbs, fat, and umami flavors helps boost serotonin levels.
Nutrition (per serving)**
(Estimated — varies by portion size)
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
For the Lovers of Flavor**
This dish is for those who adore creamy pasta, buttery sauces, and that irresistible garlic-lemon aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, your partner, or just yourself — it’s pure culinary love in a bowl.
Formation**
Serve this meal with a side of garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus for a complete dinner. Add a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay to enhance the citrusy notes of the dish.
Conclusion**
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect balance of light and indulgent. Every bite bursts with freshness from lemon, richness from butter and cream, and that comforting flavor of garlic and Parmesan that never disappoints. A true kitchen masterpiece — elegant, simple, and unbelievably delicious