Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Preparation
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 -
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 -
1 lemon, zested and juiced
06 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Parmesan Pasta
09 -
225 grams pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
10 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 -
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 -
240 milliliters heavy cream
13 -
240 milliliters chicken stock
14 -
100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
Salt, to taste
16 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 -
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme. Zest and juice the lemon, setting aside separately. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely.
02 -
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Pour in the lemon juice, stirring to incorporate. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the chicken. Simmer gently for several minutes to allow flavors to meld.
03 -
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 milliliters of the cooking water, then drain.
04 -
In a separate deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and cohesive. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
05 -
Add the drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Divide pasta among serving plates. Top with lemon garlic butter chicken and drizzle pan sauce over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional Parmesan if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to rest briefly after searing before slicing or plating.
02 -
Reserve pasta cooking water before draining, as the starch content helps achieve a silky sauce.