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This dish is a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe is easy to make yet impressive.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, but you can use thighs if you prefer.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or spaghetti is ideal, but any pasta shape will work.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit less creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and texture.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will enhance the overall flavor.
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. - Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. - Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Finish and Set Aside:
Once the chicken is fully coated with the sauce, remove from heat and set aside, covering it to keep warm.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet (use the one you cooked the chicken in, for extra flavor), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. - Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it. - Toss the Pasta in the Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the pasta absorb the sauce for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve:
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and pasta. - Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Note: These values are approximate for one serving (1/4 of the recipe with pasta).
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Tips
- For crispy chicken: After cooking, you can broil the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden crust before serving.
- Extra creamy: If you like a richer sauce, add a little extra butter or a splash of half-and-half in the pasta sauce.
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to add color and extra nutrition.
- Reheat leftovers: When reheating the leftovers, add a little bit of pasta water to bring back the creaminess of the sauce.
Variations
- Garlic Herb Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the chicken for a more fragrant flavor.
- Lemon Butter Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood version of the dish.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a little kick of heat.
