Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a zesty lemon cream sauce. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests. The bright lemon flavor not only enhances the dish but also makes it refreshing and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet; cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for a minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta
Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta warm on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a vibrant touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the meal by allowing you to enjoy the creamy sauce.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Pasta
Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through.
Tips to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tartness.
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. Additionally, swapping out chicken for shrimp or using whole wheat pasta can provide different tastes and textures.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole grain pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream, or substitute it with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Also, adding more vegetables can boost the nutrition.
3. Can I freeze Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- 1 piece lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet; cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for a minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
Combining Ingredients
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
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