Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (or 4 small breasts)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Pasta:

• 225 g (8 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden and fully cooked through.

Reduce the heat, add the butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Prepare the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until you reach the desired sauce consistency.

4. Combine and Serve
Toss the drained pasta with the sauce until fully coated.

Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta.

Garnish with fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta! 🍋