Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later, and set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
6. Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3 – Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In another skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, mixing until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
6. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until creamy and silky.

Step 4 – Serve

1. Place a serving of creamy Parmesan pasta onto each plate.
2. Slice the chicken and arrange on top.
3. Drizzle with extra lemon-garlic butter sauce from the chicken pan.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition.
• For extra indulgence, stir in ½ cup mozzarella to the pasta sauce.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt (add off the heat to prevent curdling).

🥂 This dish is restaurant-quality and perfect for a cozy dinner — buttery, garlicky chicken with zesty lemon, balanced beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta.