Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Your New Favorite One-Pan Dinner

When it comes to easy yet elegant dinners, nothing beats the rich, bright flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe is a perfect marriage of zesty citrus, savory garlic, and melty, velvety cheese—all combined in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

It’s the kind of weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy but takes under 40 minutes to make. Serve it to impress guests, treat your family, or just spoil yourself—because yes, it’s that good.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

✔️ One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor
✔️ Ready in under 40 minutes
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, garlicky pasta meets juicy, golden chicken
✔️ Bright lemon flavor balances the richness
✔️ Kid and adult approved

Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick dinner that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan.
Spoon the lemony butter sauce over the chicken as it finishes cooking.
Remove the chicken and set aside. Cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in (don’t clean it!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Spoon any remaining sauce on top.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the richness, the creaminess, and the zing of lemon in every bite.

Tips for Success

✅ Pound the Chicken Evenly

This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.

✅ Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same brightness—fresh is best.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta

You want it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.

✅ Save That Pasta Water

A splash of starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles and keeps things silky.

Variations and Add-Ins

Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of greens at the end for a nutrition boost.
Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Boneless thighs work great too.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a little sweetness and depth.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for heat.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour if thickening the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:

Let the pasta cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Simple arugula or Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance meal. It’s loaded with flavor, looks impressive, and yet it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your partner, your kids, or just yourself, this dish delivers on every front—savory, tangy, rich, and creamy.

It’s the type of recipe you’ll want to bookmark, print, and cook on repeat.