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A Culinary Embrace: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This dish is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of elegance. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are bathed in a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce, then served over a bed of luxuriously creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug, yet is simple enough to master in your own kitchen on any given weeknight.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce & Pasta:
· 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 4 large garlic cloves, minced
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
· 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
· 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare the Components
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to a perfect sear. Slice them in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” will help thin the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, without moving them, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and they are cooked through.
3. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce
1. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Build the Cream Base: Pour in the heavy cream, add the lemon zest, and (if using) the red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
3. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
1. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Slide the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and spooning some sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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A Brief History & Cultural Roots
This dish is a modern classic born from Italian-American cuisine. It draws inspiration from Italian staples like “Pasta al Burro e Parmigiano” (a simple children’s dish of pasta with butter and Parmesan) and “Scaloppine al Limone” (thin, sautéed meat in a lemon sauce). The fusion of the creamy, cheesy pasta sauce with the bright, pan-seared chicken represents the innovative spirit of home cooks and chefs who blended Old World techniques with New World ingredients and preferences, creating a uniquely comforting and beloved dish.
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Nutrition & Health Benefits
While this is a rich dish, it offers several nutritional benefits:
· High-Quality Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
· Bone Health: Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus.
· Immune Support: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, and lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C.
· Energy: The pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
For a Lighter Twist: Use whole-wheat pasta, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and increase the proportion of lemon juice to reduce the need for as much fat.
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For the True Lovers of This Dish
If this recipe makes your heart sing, you are a lover of comfort, balance, and vibrant flavor. You appreciate how the rich, creamy, and savory elements are perfectly cut by the bright, acidic punch of lemon. This dish is for you if you believe a good sauce is meant to be sopped up with bread and that a meal should be both satisfying and exciting. Consider these next steps on your culinary journey:
· The Adventurous Lover: Add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach to the sauce.
· The Seafood Lover: Substitute the chicken with large shrimp or scallops.
· The Herb Lover: Stir in fresh basil or thyme along with the parsley.
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Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a complete dining experience. It proves that with a few quality ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a meal that is both impressively delicious and deeply comforting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something truly yummy.