Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightfully fresh and zesty dish that's quick and easy to prepare. It pairs tender chicken with a bright lemony pasta and fresh herbs for a light, vibrant meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta such as linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 lemons zest and juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- extra lemon wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 3-5 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.
Combine
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Finish
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve
- Divide the Lemon Chicken Pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with extra lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!