Looking for a delicious and easy pasta recipe to try? Look no further than this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta! With its tangy lemon flavor and creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of lemon-herb chicken and creamy pasta creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lemon-Herb Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts seasoned with lemon zest, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and more.
- Creamy Lemon Pasta: Pasta of choice, butter, onion, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
- Optional add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by cooking the lemon-herb chicken until golden brown and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic, then add cream, broth, and seasonings for the creamy sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add chicken, parsley, cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
- Optional: Stir in your favorite add-ins for extra flavor.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a good quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for a rich flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice will enhance the dish’s citrusy taste.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate chicken in lemon zest and herbs for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex taste.
- Finish the dish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble before serving.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how it turned out!
Print
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender lemon-herb chicken with a creamy lemon pasta sauce. It’s a perfect balance of savory and citrus flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon-Herb Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper
Creamy Lemon Pasta
- 1 lb. pasta of choice
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Optional add-ins
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook Lemon-Herb Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in the mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Creamy Lemon Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic. Add cream, chicken broth, salt, pepper, parsley, cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley, cheese, and optional add-ins. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Adjust the lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg