Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, seared chicken in a garlic-butter sauce, tossed with creamy lemon-Parmesan pasta. Bright, rich, and easy to make, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up at home in just 40 minutes!
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add 1 tablespoon butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
Gently toss with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, then add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Slice rested chicken and place on top of the pasta.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and cut back slightly on the butter and cheese.
Add baby spinach or arugula to the sauce for extra greens.
Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta