: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine, for extra depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning will help enhance the flavor of the chicken while cooking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re using thighs, they may take a little longer to cook.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic will infuse the pan with an incredible aroma, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly. This will concentrate the flavor of the sauce.
6. Stir in the butter and let it melt, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce, spooning some of the lemon garlic butter over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb all the flavors.