Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked to perfection and tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan. Served over perfectly cooked fettuccine, this Italian-inspired recipe offers a beautiful balance of zesty citrus and rich creaminess, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips if not already sliced and add it back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, enjoying the rich and zesty flavors of the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce richness.
- Add fresh spinach or asparagus to the recipe to incorporate more vegetables and nutrients.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
