Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta is a dish that brings together tender, succulent chicken bites bathed in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. Paired with creamy pasta enriched with fresh spinach and Parmesan, it creates a well-rounded meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining. The zesty lemon elevates the butter and garlic flavors, while spinach and Parmesan provide creaminess and a savory touch, making this dish irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

For the Spinach Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra Parmesan, for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Add the remaining butter, stirring until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a clean skillet or the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
4. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt and incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Serve the spinach Parmesan pasta on plates or in shallow bowls.
2. Spoon the lemon garlic butter chicken over the pasta.
3. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Drizzle a small amount of any remaining lemon-garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken and pasta for an extra flavor boost.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Note

• Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference; more lemon will make the dish tangier.
• The pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Add it gradually to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the lemony, buttery flavors of the dish.

Tips

• Pre-season the Chicken: Let the chicken sit with seasoning for at least 10 minutes before cooking for a deeper flavor.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts better and gives a stronger, fresher flavor than pre-shredded.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so keep an eye on it when sautéing.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a mix of cream and milk.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 34g
• Sodium: 780mg

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With tender, lemony chicken and a creamy, spinach-filled pasta, it’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to please family and friends alike. Quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive for a dinner party, this recipe brings together the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and garlic with the richness of butter, Parmesan, and cream.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

For the Spinach Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra Parmesan, for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Add the remaining butter, stirring until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a clean skillet or the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
4. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt and incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Serve the spinach Parmesan pasta on plates or in shallow bowls.
2. Spoon the lemon garlic butter chicken over the pasta.
3. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Drizzle a small amount of any remaining lemon-garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken and pasta for an extra flavor boost.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sodium: 780mg
• Protein: 34g