⭐ Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

with Creamy Mediterranean Parmesan Pasta

Golden chicken • Bright lemon • Silky pasta • Mediterranean herbs

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🥘 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Chicken

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 250g (8 oz) pasta (penne, bow-tie, or linguine)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup milk (or half & half)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried basil or oregano

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)

• 2 cups spinach (optional but Mediterranean and delicious!)

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Mediterranean Enhancers (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ cup crumbled feta

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 1. Prep & Sear the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and lemon zest.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.

3. Add chicken and cook:

   • 5–6 minutes per side (breasts)

   • 6–7 minutes per side (thighs)
     until golden brown.

4. Add minced garlic during the last 1 minute so it doesn’t burn.

5. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and let it glaze.

6. Remove chicken and set aside (keep warm).

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🔸 2. Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water.

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🔸 3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (with chicken drippings!) add:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic

Sauté 1 minute.

Add broth + milk.
Bring to a gentle simmer (not boiling).

Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
Season with pepper, dried basil/oregano, and lemon juice to brighten.

If too thick → add a splash of pasta water.
If too thin → simmer 2–3 minutes.

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🔸 4. Combine the Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.
Stir until completely coated.

Add spinach and cherry tomatoes if using; cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.

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🔸 5. Finish the Dish

Slice the lemon garlic butter chicken and place over the creamy pasta.

Optional Mediterranean boosts:

• Sprinkle fresh parsley

• Add crumbled feta

• Drizzle a touch of olive oil

• Add nutritional yeast for savory depth

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty Mediterranean olive bread

• Add a fresh cucumber–tomato salad on the side

• Top with extra lemon zest for brightness

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🍋 Nutrition (approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: ~35g

• Mediterranean olive oil fats, fresh herbs, and bright flavors