Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Sure! Here’s a full recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a comforting meal!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zest)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme (or Italian seasoning).

• Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). If the chicken is thick, you may need to cook it longer or cover the pan to help it cook through.

  • Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it).

• Add Lemon: Add the lemon juice and zest to the pan. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another minute. The sauce should be fragrant and slightly thickened.

• Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors. You can slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole.

3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

• Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

• Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it out.

• Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• Slice the chicken if you haven’t already and place it on top of the creamy Parmesan pasta.

• Spoon some of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick!

• Add veggies: You can add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce for the pasta, you can add a bit more Parmesan or a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.