Chicken Pasta with Lemon Garlic Sauce
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and pasta tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts – boneless and skinless
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 piece lemon – juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley – chopped
- to taste Parmesan cheese – for serving (optional) Can be added for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water then drain the rest and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Next, add the lemon juice and zest, stirring well to combine.
Combining Everything
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together, adding pasta water little by little until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Garnishing and Serving
- Finally, throw in the chopped parsley and give it a good stir. Serve immediately, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or vegetables. Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed.