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Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken sear properly, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning blend enhances the chicken’s flavor with a slightly smoky, garlicky taste.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary.
- Once the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn – it should be golden and aromatic.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – these bits add extra flavor to the sauce.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this stage and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the sauce, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Pour in 1 cup of water (or enough to ensure the noodles are submerged).
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If necessary, add more water in small amounts to keep the noodles from drying out before they are fully cooked.
4. Combine and Finish Cooking
- Once the noodles are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the noodles.
- Allow the chicken to simmer with the noodles for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter into the noodles and toss gently to coat them in the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles for an added layer of richness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the dish.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, for a cozy, family-style dinner.