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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach Parmesan Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

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

  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