🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make cutlets)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.

2. Drain and set aside (reserve ½ cup pasta water).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute, then squeeze lemon juice over chicken.

5. Remove chicken and set aside (keep warm).

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sauté 1 minute.

2. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.

3. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chili flakes.

4. Stir until smooth and creamy (add a splash of pasta water if too thick).

Step 4: Combine Pasta

1. Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

2. Slice chicken and place on top.

3. Garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and extra Parmesan.

✅ Q&A Section

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless skinless thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy.

Q: What pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Fettuccine or spaghetti is classic, but penne or linguine works too.

Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk, but sauce will be lighter.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: The chicken can be cooked ahead, but make the pasta sauce fresh for the best creamy texture.