Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a symphony of Italian-inspired comfort. Crisp golden chicken nestles perfectly alongside silky noodles, promising a luxurious meal that satisfies deep culinary cravings you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Dairy and Pasta:
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces (8 oz) linguine
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature (around 350°F), allowing it to melt and become slightly frothy.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes while gently turning to achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Incorporate minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice into the skillet, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Remove chicken from heat and set aside, keeping warm.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine until it reaches al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, carefully extract 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in heavy cream and garlic powder, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and well-integrated.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- If the sauce appears too thick, slowly incorporate reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Plate the pasta and crown with the lemony chicken.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning blend by swapping Italian herbs with cajun or ranch seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat every time.
- Use gluten-free pasta and omit Parmesan for a celiac-friendly version of this creamy dish.
- Maximize flavor by letting chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg