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)
Directions:
1️⃣ Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ 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.
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ 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.
6️⃣ 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.
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!