Lemon Chicken Pasta
A comforting and refreshing dish featuring tender chicken and creamy pasta with a bright lemon flavor, perfect for weeknight meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 piece lemon, juice and zest
- to taste Salt and pepper Consider adding a dash more salt for enhanced flavor.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, along with the lemon juice and zest, and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a luscious sauce.
Combining the Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine until everything is coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can customize this dish by adding capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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