Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to add depth of flavor and a lovely color.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the inside reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet (do not clean it—you want those delicious brown bits!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add Lemon and Seasoning:
   Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and create a bright, buttery base.

5. Return Chicken to the Pan:
   Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and coat it generously with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors infuse. Remove from heat and keep covered until ready to serve.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta of choice (rotini, penne, or fettuccine work great) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Start the Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

3. Add Cream and Cheese:
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

4. Add Lemon Flavoring:
   Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice to echo the bright citrus in the chicken.

5. Season and Combine:
   Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

1. Plating:
   Spoon a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan pasta onto a plate or bowl.

2. Top with Chicken:
   Add a juicy chicken breast on top of each serving.

3. Sauce Drizzle:
   Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Garnish:
   Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Add a light dusting of parmesan if desired.

5. Extras:
   Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

 Tips & Variations

Cooking Tips

• Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

• Crispier Edges: Sear the chicken in a hot pan without moving it too much to develop a golden crust.

• Sauce Thickness: If the parmesan sauce feels too thin, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.

Variations

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