Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a silky creamy pasta sauce. The garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon brings brightness to the richness of the chicken and the Parmesan-infused pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

Here’s how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions:

For the Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also lightly pound the chicken to even out the thickness if needed.

2. Cook the Chicken:

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

   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.

   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then pour in the chicken broth (or white wine). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

   • Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

4. Combine the Chicken:

   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Keep the chicken warm while you prepare the pasta.

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For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

   • In a separate large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

   • Season with salt and black pepper, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

3. Combine the Pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook for another minute, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.

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Assemble the Dish:

1. Plate the Pasta:

   • Serve a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan pasta on each plate.

2. Top with Chicken:

   • Slice the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken into strips or serve it whole on top of the pasta.

   • Spoon some of the lemon garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken and pasta.

3. Garnish:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

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Tips:

• Chicken Thighs Option: For juicier chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll remain moist and tender while cooking.

• Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine or penne works great, but spaghetti, linguine, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option will work too.

• Creaminess: If you want an extra creamy sauce, you can stir in a bit of cream cheese to the sauce before adding the Parmesan.

• Toppings: Top with crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

• Pair with a light salad like a caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of a restaurant-quality meal. The creamy pasta, the zesty chicken, and the buttery sauce come together in perfect harmony—you’re going to love it!