Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

You’re describing a restaurant-quality comfort meal: juicy lemon garlic butter chicken paired with a rich and indulgent creamy Parmesan pasta. The lemon and garlic add brightness, while the Parmesan pasta brings velvety depth — together, they make a perfect weeknight or date-night dinner.

🍋🧄🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• Splash of pasta water (to loosen sauce if needed)

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Spoon butter over chicken for 1–2 minutes as it finishes cooking.

4. Remove from heat. Let rest, then slice or serve whole.

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In the same pan (or a clean one), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in Parmesan, a bit at a time, until melted and creamy.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

7. Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

3️⃣ Assemble & Serve

• Plate pasta first, top with chicken slices, and drizzle with extra lemon-garlic butter from the pan.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and lemon wedges if desired.

✅ Tips:

• Don’t overcook garlic — it should be golden, not browned, or it turns bitter.

• Use fresh Parmesan, not the powdered