Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a crave-worthy dinner that’s both cozy and zesty:

🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta 🧄🧈🧀

Tender, golden chicken cutlets drenched in lemony garlic butter sauce, served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta — all made in one skillet or with easy prep steps. Perfect for a weeknight or an indulgent weekend meal.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets or pounded thin

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

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

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.

2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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🔹 Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat and add remaining 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant.

5. Add lemon juice, scrape up browned bits, and simmer 1–2 minutes. Pour sauce over cooked chicken and set aside (cover to keep warm).

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🔹 Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

3. Stir in cream, simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest.

5. Toss in cooked pasta, add a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.

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🔹 Step 4: Assemble & Serve

• Plate pasta, top with sliced lemon garlic chicken.

• Spoon extra garlic butter over the top.

• Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and lemon slices if desired.

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🔁 Optional Additions

• Spinach or peas stirred into the pasta

• Red pepper flakes for heat

• Mushrooms sautéed with the garlic

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Would you like a one-pot version, or to adapt it for meal prep, gluten-free, or low-carb (like with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash)?