🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
🕒 Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min
🍽️ Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
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Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
For the pasta:
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8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
1. Cook pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Cook chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.
3. Make lemon garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
4. Make creamy Parmesan pasta sauce
Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Combine pasta & sauce
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
6. Serve
Plate the creamy pasta, top with lemon garlic butter chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
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Use chicken thighs for more juicy flavor.
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Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
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For extra garlic punch, roast garlic and add to the sauce!
Want a one-pan version, or suggestions for a lighter creamy sauce?
