Lemon Butter Chicken with Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken in a creamy lemon butter sauce, served over pasta. This easy, restaurant-quality meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and zesty lemon flavor balanced with rich, buttery sauce.
Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfectly creamy without being too heavy.
Pairs well with various pasta types.
Made in one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
Olive oil
Unsalted butter

For the Sauce and Pasta

Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the pan, letting it soak in the sauce for a minute. Toss in the cooked pasta until fully coated.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in more Parmesan or top with mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.

Is this dish very lemony?

It has a bright lemon flavor, but you can reduce the lemon juice if desired.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, replace half the chicken broth with dry white wine for extra depth.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer and remove it at 165°F (75°C).

What sides go well with this dish?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, but store the pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Chicken with Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish with the perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich butter sauce. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for an easy, delicious meal!

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This Lemon Butter Chicken with Pasta is a zesty and buttery dish featuring crispy chicken breast in a rich lemon-garlic sauce, served over pasta for a comforting meal.