Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Directions:
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through.
Add Garlic and Lemon:
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to soak up those bright flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken rests, cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to save about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, blending until smooth. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve the pasta on plates, top with the lemony chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!