Description
A creamy and tangy Lemon Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling water
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring the pasta is perfectly tender yet firm.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water to use later for adjusting sauce consistency, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Set Aside Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you make the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the sauce base.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the broth’s flavor.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, then simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, preparing to integrate them with the sauce.
- Toss Together: Toss everything together well, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamier, smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta for a bright finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful lemon chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt consistency.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Adjust lemon juice based on your preferred level of tanginess.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if preferred for a juicier texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh flavor, but basil or chives can be used as alternatives.
