Description
This vibrant Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken strips with a creamy, zesty lemon sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh lemon zest, this dish offers a refreshing twist on classic creamy pasta, perfect for a flavorful and comforting meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for even flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken strips in the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Lower the heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until it melts fully and incorporates into the sauce for extra richness.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken strips to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the luscious lemon cream sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices to add freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta hot!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
