Description
Enjoy a delightful Lemon Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion and easy to make, ensuring a satisfying meal in just 40 minutes.
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 with cold water.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, deglazing the pan.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to combine.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried thyme until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring even distribution.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Remove from heat and serve in bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
- This dish can be customized with vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes