Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Zesty, Comforting Meal

Craving a dinner that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors yet cozy enough for any night? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is your answer! Tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce pair perfectly with a rich, cheesy Parmesan pasta, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests, this recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a delightful addition to your meal rotation. It’s also a shining example of the bold, approachable dishes in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s get cooking this flavorful masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a must-try for home cooks, offering:

• Bright and Rich Flavors: Zesty lemon and garlic balance the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile: Great for casual dinners or special occasions.
• Customizable: Easily adapted for dietary preferences or extra veggies.
• Social Media Star: Ideal for sharing on X with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your culinary skills.

This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, just like the recipes in our eBook, available on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 and can be doubled for larger gatherings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp juice and 1 tsp zest)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne recommended)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best texture)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a bright finish)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved, for adjusting sauce consistency)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (for chicken)
• Large pot (for pasta)
• Tongs or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk (for sauce)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a vibrant, creamy dish that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for most pastas).
2. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Pat 2 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken cutlets.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the cutlets. Cook for 1 minute to coat, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In a clean large skillet or the same pot used for pasta, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually stir in ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp salt, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and the cooked pasta, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among 4 plates or a large serving platter.
2. Place a chicken cutlet on top of each portion of pasta, spooning any remaining lemon-garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, lemon wedges, or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Dish: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or a green salad for balance.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the lemony notes.
• Family Style: Present the pasta in a large bowl with chicken arranged on top for a stunning centerpiece.
• Light Option: Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta for extra veggies.

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If this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has you craving more vibrant American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, all designed for busy cooks who love bold flavors. For just $4.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and bring more comforting classics to your table!

Customization Options

• Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
• Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, cherry