Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta! There’s something magical about the combination of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly coated pasta infused with lemony, cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together so effortlessly.
The first time I made this, I was in a rush to put dinner on the table, and I just started throwing ingredients together. Little did I know, it would become a staple in my kitchen! The chicken is beautifully seared, the pasta is coated in a luscious sauce, and every bite is packed with bright, zesty flavors. Plus, it’s a complete meal—protein, carbs, and all the deliciousness you could ever ask for.
One of the things I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. Want a spicier kick? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a creamier sauce? A splash of heavy cream will do the trick. And don’t even get me started on that Parmesan! It melts into the sauce, making everything irresistibly rich and flavorful.
What’s in Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta?
Chicken:
The star of the show! You can use chicken breasts or thighs—both work beautifully. The seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper ensures every bite is flavorful.
Garlic Butter Sauce:
Oh, the aroma of butter and garlic sizzling together is pure heaven! A little chicken broth (or an alternative) and a splash of lemon juice create a rich, tangy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Pasta:
Spaghetti or fettuccine are my go-to choices, but you can use any pasta you love. The sauce clings beautifully to long noodles, making every bite delicious.
Parmesan Cheese:
This adds a nutty, salty depth to the pasta sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):
For those who love a little heat, this is a game-changer! It adds just the right amount of spice to balance the buttery richness.
Fresh Lemon Juice:
The secret ingredient! Lemon juice brightens up the entire dish and makes the flavors pop.
Fresh Parsley & Lemon Wedges:
For garnish, because a dish this good deserves a pretty finishing touch.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta Good for You?
Absolutely! It’s a well-balanced meal with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and butter, and fiber from pasta (especially if you use whole wheat).
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Chicken: A great source of lean protein to keep you full and satisfied.
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Garlic & Olive Oil: Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
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Lemon Juice: Loaded with vitamin C for a fresh, zesty kick.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds calcium and a delicious savory depth.
Want to make it even healthier? Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options, and use a bit less butter if you prefer a lighter version.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
For the Chicken:
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup chicken broth (or an alternative)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Pasta:
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8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
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Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
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Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
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Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
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Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
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Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and let it melt.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth (or alternative) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Parmesan Pasta
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In a separate skillet (or the same pot used for pasta), heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), then sauté for 1–2 minutes.
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Stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water.
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Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
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Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and additional Parmesan cheese.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of garlic, butter, and lemon flavors!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any meal. Juicy, golden-brown chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then served over pasta coated in a zesty lemon-Parmesan blend. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup chicken broth (or an alternative)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Pasta:
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8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
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Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
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Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat. Melt butter, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, stir in lemon juice, and let simmer for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to coat with the sauce.
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Prepare the pasta sauce: In another skillet (or the same pot), heat olive oil and butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Toss in the pasta and mix well.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
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For a creamier texture, add 2 tbsp heavy cream to the pasta sauce.
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and fettuccine work great, you can also use penne, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. The sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving the chicken too long, as it may become dry.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The result will still be rich and flavorful.
4. What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable soup, also makes a great starter.