Introduction:
Brighten up your dinner routine with this delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken and al dente pasta are enveloped in a luscious, tangy lemon cream sauce that’s both refreshing and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe combines vibrant lemon flavor with creamy richness for a dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Zesty and creamy: A delightful blend of tangy lemon and rich cream creates a unique and delicious sauce.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Family-friendly: A creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- If using, stir in the baby spinach or chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Lemon Flavor: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preference. For a milder flavor, use less lemon juice.
- Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Chicken Cooking: Ensure the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden for added flavor.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for added depth of flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water to complement the lemony flavors.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce, or microwave individual portions.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet: For cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Pot: For boiling the pasta.
FAQ:
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately. Combine and reheat with the cooked pasta when ready to serve. - Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken.
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes for cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce.
Total Time:
- 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- If using, stir in the baby spinach or chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and stay tuned for more easy and flavorful recipes.
