Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer and whisk in butter and Parmesan. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, toss in pasta, adding reserved water until coated. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- For extra flavor, use grilled chicken instead of sautéed.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
