Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a luscious garlic butter lemon sauce, served over a bed of rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. The tang of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the richness of butter create a perfect harmony. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings restaurant-style taste right to your kitchen!

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for light coating)

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ lemon, sliced into thin rounds

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • Âľ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta:

    • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. Season & Cook Chicken:

    • Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

    • Dredge chicken cutlets lightly in the mixture.

    • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add more butter and garlic. SautĂ© until fragrant.

    • Stir in lemon juice and slices. Simmer 1–2 minutes.

  4. Prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

    • In another pan, melt butter and sautĂ© garlic until fragrant.

    • Add heavy cream, chicken broth (or pasta water), Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until sauce thickens.

    • Toss cooked pasta into sauce until well coated.

  5. Combine & Serve:

    • Slice chicken and place over the pasta. Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce on top.

    • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking.

  • Freshly grated Parmesan works best for a creamy sauce.

  • You can substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Tips

  • Deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine for more depth.

  • For a lighter option, serve chicken with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

  • If sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water.

Servings

  • Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 620 kcal

  • Protein: 38 g

  • Carbohydrates: 45 g

  • Fat: 32 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 540 mg

  • Sugars: 2 g

Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle health from chicken.

  • Rich in Calcium: Parmesan and cream contribute to bone strength.

  • Balanced Meal: Carbs for energy, protein for satiety, and fats for flavor.

  • Flavorful & Comforting: A great family-friendly dish that feels gourmet.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but store chicken and pasta separately. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs will add more juiciness and flavor.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are excellent choices.

Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free pasta and coat chicken with cornstarch instead of flour.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken seasoning.

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