Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful and creamy dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with al dente pasta, all coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce made with fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Stir in lemon zest and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, effortless preparation.
- Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
