Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Featured in Delicious Dinner Inspirations.

This comforting dish brings together tender lemon-garlic chicken and creamy parmesan pasta, all in one pan for easy cleanup. Start by searing seasoned chicken breasts until golden, then whip up a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce in the same pan. The creamy pasta base comes together with parmesan, cream, and a hint of lemon zest, creating a rich yet fresh flavor profile. Serve everything topped with parsley and extra parmesan for a cozy meal perfect any night of the week. Flexibility abounds—swap in shrimp, add veggies, or turn up the spice if you like!

Casey
Updated on Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:01:26 GMT
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. | cookingwithcasey.com

Lemon garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan pasta has become my go-to when I crave something rich yet refreshing I love how the zesty brightness of lemon wakes up a comforting bowl of creamy noodles and juicy chicken It is a showstopper for date nights but just as fitting for a weeknight treat

The first time I made this I wanted something fast and comforting and my whole family could not stop raving about the sauce It has been in heavy rotation ever since especially when I need a meal that impresses without stress

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: choose pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly
  • Olive oil: brings a toasty depth and helps brown the chicken use a fruity variety for best flavor
  • Butter: adds richness and ties everything together always opt for real unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic cloves: provide punchy aroma do not settle for the pre-minced kind here
  • Lemon juice and zest: deliver brightness and balance look for firm heavy lemons with shiny skin
  • Salt and black pepper: enhance every layer of flavor taste as you go for seasoning perfection
  • Italian seasoning: blends herbs for savory depth dried oregano or basil work in a pinch
  • Paprika: offers subtle heat and color try smoked paprika for an extra twist
  • Fettuccine or spaghetti: go for bronze-cut pasta if available it holds the creamy sauce best
  • Heavy cream: creates lush sauce whole milk can be swapped in a pinch
  • Grated parmesan cheese: melts smoothly into the sauce choose aged parmesan and grate it yourself for full flavor
  • Chopped parsley: finishes the dish with fresh color flat-leaf is best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil your pasta in a generously salted pot until barely al dente Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining This will help bring the sauce together later
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels Season well with salt pepper paprika and Italian seasoning Press seasonings into the meat for a good crust Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet until the butter foams Place chicken in the pan Do not crowd the skillet Sear chicken for about five minutes per side Let a golden crust form before turning Use tongs to check for doneness Remove to a plate when fully cooked but still juicy
Build the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium Add an extra spoonful of butter and minced garlic to the same pan Scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon These bits are packed with savory flavor Cook garlic just until fragrant not more than thirty seconds Add lemon juice and zest Stir to combine Slide cooked chicken back in Coat it quickly in the sauce so the flavors meld without overcooking Remove to rest while pasta is prepared
Prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
Into the same pan add more butter and a bit of garlic Let it sizzle until fragrant but not brown Pour in heavy cream Bring it to a gentle simmer so it thickens slowly Whisk in freshly grated parmesan cheese stirring until smooth and glossy If the sauce thickens too much add some reserved pasta water Toss your drained pasta in the sauce making sure every strand gets coated Add more lemon zest here for extra brightness if you like
Combine and Serve:
Slice chicken and nestle over the creamy pasta Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over top Finish with fresh parsley and more parmesan for a flourish
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. | cookingwithcasey.com

I have a special place in my heart for lemon zest Its bright perfume always reminds me of summer dinners with my grandmother where citrus was the secret to making even creamy dishes feel light

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge The sauce may thicken on chilling but a splash of water or cream while reheating returns it to its original silkiness I like reheating gently on the stove

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be swapped for extra moistness For a lighter alternative try half and half instead of heavy cream If you love seafood grilled shrimp or seared salmon work beautifully in place of chicken

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crisp green salad bright with vinaigrette or a side of roasted broccoli If you want a little heat sprinkle on chili flakes To make it a dinner party dish plate pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy pasta dishes with bright acidic notes show off a classic Italian American flavor balance The method of deglazing with lemon and using browned butter creates nostalgic depth found in both southern Italian and modern American kitchens

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and sear over medium-high heat. Let it rest before slicing to keep it moist.

→ Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or any preferred pasta type pairs well with the creamy sauce and chicken.

→ What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

Grilled shrimp or salmon are delicious alternatives. Adjust the searing time to suit the chosen protein.

→ How can I add vegetables?

Stir in spinach, roasted broccoli, or peas towards the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.

→ Can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with extra paprika for more heat.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Golden chicken and zesty lemon butter over rich parmesan pasta deliver a satisfying, easy skillet meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 3 Servings (One pan chicken with creamy pasta)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 2 tablespoons butter, divided
04 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
05 Juice of ½ lemon, plus extra lemon slices for garnish
06 Zest of ½ lemon
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste
09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Creamy Parmesan Pasta

11 200 grams fettuccine or spaghetti
12 2 tablespoons butter
13 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 240 millilitres heavy cream
15 55 grams grated parmesan cheese
16 Salt, to taste
17 Black pepper, to taste
18 ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
19 Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Reserve 120 millilitres of pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 03

Lower skillet to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Return chicken to the skillet, turning briefly to coat in the sauce, then remove again and keep warm.

Step 04

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves briefly. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using.

Step 05

Arrange sliced chicken over the creamy pasta. Drizzle with any remaining lemon garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve with extra lemon slices if desired.

Notes

  1. For added colour and nutrition, toss in some spinach or roasted broccoli during the final steps.
  2. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a welcome heat to the dish.
  3. Grilled shrimp or salmon can be substituted for the chicken for a seafood version.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 750
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 46 g