Description
Enjoy a delightful Lemon Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting yet refreshing flavor that will please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with dried oregano, dried thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss until heated through and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad!
Notes
- For added veggies, consider incorporating spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes