Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances alongside zesty lemon parmesan pasta, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors. Hearty comfort meets elegant dining, promising a meal that satisfies both soul and palate with each delectable forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings:
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- Create a robust flavor profile by generously coating chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Transform a large skillet into a sizzling culinary stage, melting butter over medium heat until it shimmers with golden potential.
- Carefully introduce chicken pieces to the hot skillet, allowing each morsel to develop a rich, caramelized crust through strategic 4-5 minute cooking.
- Elevate the chicken’s flavor complexity by introducing minced garlic, vibrant lemon zest, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Allow the chicken to luxuriate in the aromatic garlic and citrus notes for an additional 1-2 minutes, then gracefully transfer to a waiting plate.
- Simultaneously prepare the pasta in a generously salted water bath, guiding linguine to perfect al dente texture while reserving a small measure of starchy cooking liquid.
- Repurpose the same skillet as a canvas for a velvety sauce, melting butter and whisking in heavy cream and garlic powder until silky smooth.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce that transforms from liquid to a rich, clinging consistency.
- Marry the cooked linguine with the creamy Parmesan sauce, gently tossing to ensure every strand becomes a vehicle for flavor.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, creating a perfect coating that embraces the pasta.
- Artfully arrange the pasta on serving plates, crowning each portion with the aromatic garlic butter chicken.
- Complete the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a final touch of culinary elegance.
Notes
- Perfectly sear chicken by patting the pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning, ensuring a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Customize the dish for gluten-free diets by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional linguine.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a subtle heat kick.
- Maintain sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water, creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish that clings beautifully to the noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg