Of course! This is a fantastic and classic combination. The creamy, garlicky, parmesan-laced pasta is the perfect bed for juicy, pan-seared chicken.
Here is a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that will deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe creates tender, flavorful chicken and a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce that comes together in one pan (plus a pot for the pasta). It’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), or 4 thin-cut breasts
· 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Pasta and Sauce:
· 8 oz (225g) fettuccine, tagliatelle, or linguine
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter
· 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
· Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
· 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Important: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is key for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Pan-Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. Tent loosely with foil.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken (that’s flavor!).
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Slice the rested chicken against the grain.
To serve, divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among plates. Top with slices of the lemon garlic butter chicken.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Chef’s Tips for Success
· Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a magical ingredient. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes it creamier without adding more fat.
· Freshly Grated Parmesan is a Must: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting smoothly. A block of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a good quality Parmesan is worth it.
· Avoid Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant.
· Customize It:
· Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach at the end with the garlic, or add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted broccoli florets with the pasta.
· Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a nice kick.
· Protein Swap: This sauce is also fantastic with shrimp or salmon.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and comforting meal