Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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🍋🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins

🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra slices for garnish)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning)

🍳 Step-by-Step with Q&A

🔹 Step 1: How do I prepare the chicken?

Q: How should I season the chicken?
A: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat in flour to help it brown and thicken the sauce later.

🔹 Step 2: How do I cook the chicken?

Q: What’s the best way to get golden chicken?
A: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

🔹 Step 3: How do I make the lemon garlic sauce?

Q: What goes into the pan sauce?
A: In the same pan, melt a bit more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Scrape up brown bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Q: Should I put the chicken back in?
A: Yes! Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Let it simmer on low for a few minutes while you make the pasta.

🔹 Step 4: How do I make the creamy Parmesan pasta?

Q: When do I cook the pasta?
A: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions while the chicken is cooking. Drain and set aside (reserve some pasta water).

Q: How do I make the cream sauce?
A: In a saucepan or skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low until thickened (3–5 minutes).

Q: What if the sauce is too thick?
A: Stir in a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking.

🔹 Step 5: How do I bring it all together?

Q: Should I mix the pasta with the sauce before serving?
A: Yes. Toss the cooked pasta in the Parmesan cream sauce until well coated.

Q: How do I plate it?
A: Place a serving of pasta on the plate, top with lemon garlic chicken, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley (optional).

🧀 Bonus Tips

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

  • Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.

✅ Summary

This dish pairs zesty lemon garlic chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta, giving you brightness and indulgence in one plate. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners.

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