Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with zesty lemon parmesan pasta in this irresistible culinary symphony. Rich flavors and creamy textures merge into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Proteins:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating cutlets with a blend of salt, cracked pepper, and sweet paprika, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, season with salt, and cook pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a warm plate, then immediately introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, releasing its aromatic oils for approximately 60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, luxurious base. Incorporate freshly grated parmesan, bright lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently, developing depth of flavor and slightly thickening. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal sauce consistency. Optional: Incorporate fresh spinach leaves or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Arrange the vibrant pasta on serving plates, carefully positioning the golden-brown chicken on top. Finish with a flourish of additional parmesan shavings, delicate lemon zest, or chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Choose chicken cutlets of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor absorption.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising sauce texture.
- Balance the sauce’s richness by adding a splash of white wine or using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg