Merken This luscious pasta dish combines the comforting richness of nutty brown butter with the bright, vibrant notes of fresh lemon. Featuring tender seared chicken and spaghetti tossed in a glossy sauce, it is an elegant yet simple meal finished with fresh herbs and savory Parmesan cheese.
Merken Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this Italian-American classic relies on the simple technique of browning butter to transform basic ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), sliced into strips
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 350 g (12 oz) dried spaghetti
- 80 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 40 g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 4
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 5
- Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6
- Add cooked spaghetti, chicken, lemon juice, and half the Parmesan to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and remaining Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When browning the butter, stay close to the stove and swirl the pan frequently. The transition from nutty and golden to burnt can happen in seconds. Using a light-colored pan can help you monitor the color change more effectively.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. If you prefer seafood, shrimp makes an excellent substitute for the chicken. For an even creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream during the final tossing step.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is glossy and the chicken is warm. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Don't forget the extra lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of acidity.
Merken With its harmonious blend of savory chicken, nutty butter, and zesty lemon, this Brown Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta is a satisfying dish that brings gourmet flair to your dining table with minimal effort.
