Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish combines juicy lemon garlic chicken with rich, creamy parmesan pasta. It tastes like restaurant food but is simple enough to make at home.

Ingredients

For the chicken

2–3 chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the creamy parmesan pasta

250 g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup pasta water (reserved)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
Save ½ cup pasta water before draining

2. Cook the chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika
Heat olive oil + butter in a pan
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
Remove and set aside

3. Make lemon garlic butter sauce

In the same pan:

Add butter and garlic
Cook for 30–60 seconds
Add lemon juice and lemon zest
Stir and let it simmer briefly

Return chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.

4. Make creamy parmesan pasta

In a separate pan:

Melt butter
Add garlic and sauté lightly
Pour in cream and heat gently
Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth
Add pasta water little by little to adjust consistency
Season with salt and pepper

5. Combine and serve

Plate creamy pasta
Slice chicken and place on top
Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over everything

Tips for best flavor

Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor
Don’t overcook chicken or it becomes dry
Add chili flakes for a spicy version
Fresh parmesan melts smoother than packaged versions

Serving ideas

With garlic bread
With a fresh green salad
With roasted vegetables

Final thoughts

This recipe balances bright lemon, rich butter, and creamy parmesan, creating a flavorful comfort meal that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare at home.