Dinner

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a bright and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken coated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a delightful blend of fresh flavors and indulgent creaminess.

A white plate holds two main parts: on the left side, there is a large mound of light golden spaghetti that is shiny and slightly oily, sprinkled evenly with small green parsley flakes; on the right side, there are several pieces of grilled chicken that are golden brown with a glossy, sticky glaze and small dark char marks, also sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and placed closely together next to the pasta. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
3 tbsp butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and juice to the same skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant, then return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve the creamy pasta topped with the lemon garlic chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.
You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
To make it gluten-free, swap linguine for gluten-free pasta.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

On a white plate set on a white marbled surface, there are two main parts: on the left side, a large heap of creamy pasta noodles with a light yellow color, smooth texture, and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top; on the right side, several pieces of grilled chicken with a shiny, caramelized brown glaze, slightly charred spots, and a few green herbs scattered over them. The pasta and chicken are placed closely but clearly separated, filling the plate evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until the chicken is cooked through.

Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.