Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

⭐ Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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🍗 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In another skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Stir in lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until fully coated.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Serve creamy Parmesan pasta on plates.
2. Top with lemon garlic butter chicken breasts.
3. Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over the chicken.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and extra Parmesan cheese.

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🍋 Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Grate Parmesan cheese from a block for the creamiest sauce.
• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.