Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- 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
- 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.
- In a clean skillet or the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- 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.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt and incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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
- Serve the spinach Parmesan pasta on plates or in shallow bowls.
- Spoon the lemon garlic butter chicken over the pasta.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Drizzle a small amount of any remaining lemon-garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken and pasta for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 34g