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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings servings

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 6 thin cutlets
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
For the Garlic Butter Pasta
  • 12 ounces dried linguine
  • 1 tablespoon fine salt for the pasta water
  • 6 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • Crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Lemon wedges optional, for serving

Method
 

Method
  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, the black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Boil the pasta water: Bring a 5- to 6-quart pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon fine salt, then add the linguine.
  3. Cook the linguine: Cook according to the package directions until al dente, generally 9 to 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta without rinsing.
  4. Heat the skillet: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon (14 g) of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the chicken: Add half of the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the underside is golden brown and releases easily from the skillet.
  6. Finish cooking the chicken: Turn the cutlets and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer them to a clean plate when the thickest portion reaches 165°F (74°C). Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter as needed.
  7. Rest the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes while preparing the garlic butter sauce.
  8. Cook the garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons (28 g) of the 4 tablespoons butter for the pasta. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring continuously. The garlic should smell fragrant but remain pale.
  9. Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the browned chicken bits. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the broth reduces slightly.
  10. Add the pasta: Add the drained linguine and the reserved 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water to the skillet. Toss over medium-low heat for about 1 minute.
  11. Finish the butter sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter a little at a time while tossing the pasta. The liquid should become glossy and lightly coat the noodles rather than appearing oily.
  12. Add the Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low: Sprinkle in the 3/4 cup (68 g) Parmesan in two or three additions, tossing continuously until melted. If the pasta looks dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water.
  13. Add lemon and parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then toss until evenly distributed. Taste before adding any additional salt.
  14. Slice the chicken: Cut the rested chicken across the grain into strips. The interior should be opaque and juicy with no translucent areas.
  15. Assemble the pasta: Divide the garlic butter linguine among six plates or shallow bowls. Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta.
  16. Garnish and serve: Top with additional Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges as desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and warm.

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