Description
A fast, pantry-friendly weeknight meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, tangy sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon, and cream. It comes together in about 25 minutes and is perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (generous amounts)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (for searing chicken)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, zest and juice lemons, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley.
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Build sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up brown bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add cream and zest: Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese and lemon: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Slice chicken and toss back into the pan or serve on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Save the starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Do not add cheese to high heat to prevent graininess. Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best results. The sauce will thicken in the fridge; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving based on 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy lemon garlic butter, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, one pan meal, family friendly