Delicious Lemon Parmesan Pasta (Printer-Friendly)

Zesty lemon, creamy parmesan, and golden chicken brighten this quick, decadent pasta dish for any occasion.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces dry linguine

→ Chicken

02 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
03 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauce

07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted European-style butter
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 2/3 cup finely grated aged Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

15 - 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine chicken cubes with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed until golden on the first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to incorporate browned bits.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and bring just to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Add drained linguine to the skillet. Toss with tongs to fully coat the pasta in sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
07 - Arrange pasta on plates or a serving platter. Top with chicken pieces. Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Reserve some starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky finish.
02 - Use freshly grated Parmesan to ensure a smooth, cohesive sauce.
03 - Pre-warm plates for serving to maintain ideal temperature and presentation.