Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and velvety pasta coated in a garlic butter cream sauce. The tangy lemon perfectly balances the creamy parmesan, making every bite irresistible. This one-pan meal is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you crave something comforting yet elegant. It’s a restaurant-style recipe made right at home, bursting with fresh flavors and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into thin fillets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 250g fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth sauce. Mix in lemon zest and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly. Add chicken back to the pan, letting it soak in the creamy sauce for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a creamy, tangy, and buttery delight.
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with a bit of lemon juice and garlic 30 minutes before cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should stay juicy and tender.
- Always cook pasta slightly underdone before tossing in the sauce to absorb flavors better.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to make the dish heartier and more nutritious.
- Use high-quality butter for a richer, more aromatic flavor.
Health Benefits
This dish provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Chicken offers lean protein essential for muscle growth, while garlic supports heart health and boosts immunity. Lemon aids digestion and provides vitamin C, and Parmesan adds calcium for stronger bones. When paired with whole-grain pasta, it becomes even more nutritious, offering fiber that supports gut health.
