Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1½ lb chicken breast or thighs
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp pasta cooking water (as needed)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
6. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
9. Add pasta and toss to coat, loosening with pasta water if needed.
10. Slice chicken and return to skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
11. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.