Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Mediterranean Style – One-Pan Comfort Meal

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🧺 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small), sliced horizontally into cutlets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 250 g (about 8 oz) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened milk or light cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season chicken cutlets with oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

4. Add minced garlic and lemon juice + zest to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds to release flavor.

5. Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate.

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2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.

2. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

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3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tbsp olive oil or butter and the minced garlic.

2. Sauté gently for 30 seconds (don’t burn the garlic).

3. Add milk or cream, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.

5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Stir in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

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4. Combine & Serve

1. Return the chicken to the skillet; coat with the creamy sauce.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations

• Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.

• Use whole-grain or chickpea pasta for a lighter, higher-fiber version.

• For a lighter sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream.

• Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve with a side of:

• Roasted vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, or peppers)

• A crisp Greek salad with olives and feta

• A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon wedges on top