Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, garlicky, and just a little tangy. The chicken is golden and juicy, seasoned with lemon and herbs, and the pasta is bathed in a creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. The entire meal comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made easy at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
lemon zest
garlic (minced)
butter
olive oil
heavy cream or half-and-half
chicken broth
Parmesan cheese (grated)
pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning or dried thyme
fresh parsley (for garnish)
optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Directions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cream and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. Total time: approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
- Use different protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Try other cheeses: Mix in a little mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a similar richness, use half-and-half or add a spoonful of cream cheese.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then reheat and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be golden brown on the outside.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy, cheesy sauce and mild flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, cream alternatives, and vegan Parmesan, but note the flavor will differ.
What can I use instead of lemon?
White wine or a splash of vinegar can be used, but lemon provides the best brightness and balance.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—just increase all sauce ingredients proportionally and adjust seasoning to taste.
What herbs pair well with this dish?
Parsley, basil, or thyme complement the lemon and garlic beautifully.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, sear it for color first, then finish in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes if preferred.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting yet elegant meal that combines the richness of creamy pasta with the zing of lemon and savory garlic chicken. With simple ingredients and a quick cook time, it’s a one-pan dish you’ll turn to again and again—perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night at home.
PrintLemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and zesty one-pan dinner that pairs golden seared chicken with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The bright flavor of lemon balances the richness, while garlic and herbs add savory depth—making this dish a comforting yet elevated meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 1/2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer everything together for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- To make dairy-free, use vegan butter, cream, and Parmesan alternatives.
- Add spinach, peas, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
- Double the sauce if you prefer extra creaminess or are using more pasta.
- Great with shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
