Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Extra parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
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Add minced garlic, sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).
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Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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Stir in Italian seasoning and simmer 2–3 minutes.
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Return chicken to skillet and coat in the sauce.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
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In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
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Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
5. Serve
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Plate pasta and top with lemon garlic butter chicken.
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Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
💡 Tips for Success:
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Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
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For extra lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the pasta sauce.
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You can also add veggies like spinach or asparagus to the pasta for color and texture.
If you want, I can also make a simpler 30-minute version that’s just as creamy and flavorful but faster to cook.
Do you want me to do that?