Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Imagine tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a luscious, tangy sauce, perfectly paired with al dente pasta. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a comforting, satisfying meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Originating from Italian cuisine, this dish has evolved over the years, becoming a beloved staple in many households around the world.
People adore Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The zesty lemon brightens the creamy sauce, while the chicken adds a hearty element, making it a well-rounded dish. Plus, its incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparing the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. I like to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I love using a non-stick skillet for this recipe to make cleanup easier.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until its golden brown and cooked through. You want to make sure theres no pink in the center.
- When the chicken is done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Making the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This will help deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
- Once the broth is simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. I love using heavy cream for its rich texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Now, add the lemon juice and zest to the sauce. The acidity from the lemon will brighten up the dish beautifully. Stir in the dried Italian herbs as well, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combining the Pasta and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, its time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce and chicken.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. I usually start with a couple of tablespoons and add more if needed.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. I often find that a little extra lemon juice really enhances the flavor!
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking, its time to serve! I like to plate the pasta in shallow bowls for a nice presentation.
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if youre feeling indulgent.
- Serve immediately while its hot and creamy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!
Tips and Variations
- If you want to add some veggies
Conclusion:
In summary, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious lemon cream sauce creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also refreshingly bright. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful dish with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or asparagus, or even swapping the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or any tips you discovered along the way. Cooking is all about creativity and sharing, so lets inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking! Print
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a creamy lemon chicken fettuccine that features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, zesty sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, guaranteed to impress with its delightful flavors!
Ingredients
Scale- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, along with the dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce and chicken.
- Gently toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Plate the pasta in shallow bowls for presentation.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas into the dish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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