Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat cooking cream)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 250g (about 9 oz) fettuccine or spaghetti
• Water and salt for boiling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thin cutlets.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, then remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

3. Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Stir until smooth and creamy (add a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick).
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until coated.
2. Place the chicken slices on top and spoon some sauce over them.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Tip

Serve immediately with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.