Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 3 tbsp butter, divided
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Linguine:
– 8 oz linguine
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Directions:
Season the Chicken:
– Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the Chicken:
– In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
– Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through.
– Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse the chicken with flavor.
– Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Pasta:
– Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Make the Parmesan Sauce:
– In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
– Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, mixing until smooth.
– Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
– Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
– If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Assemble and Serve:
– Divide the pasta among serving plates, top with the cooked lemon garlic chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
This dish is a delightful blend of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy every bite!