Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a delicious, complete meal recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—juicy chicken paired with a rich, garlicky pasta sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

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2. Cook the chicken:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.

5. Sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

6. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.

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3. Make the creamy Parmesan pasta:

1. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Add pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

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4. Serve:

• Plate pasta and top with a chicken breast.

• Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and pasta.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

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Tips

• Pound the chicken slightly to ensure even cooking.

• For more lemony flavor, serve with lemon wedges.

• You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and flavor.

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If you want, I can also give a one-pan version where the chicken and pasta cook together for even faster cleanup and infused flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Do you want me to do that?