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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and zesty. The juicy chicken is paired with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and brightened up with fresh lemon. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta

  • 4 cups water (for boiling)

  • Salt, for seasoning the water

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

  2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once the chicken is slightly cooled, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the pasta: While the chicken cooks, 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.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

  1. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  2. Add the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  3. Add the lemon and seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

  4. Add the Parmesan cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:

 

  1. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

  2. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.

  • If you like a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to adjust the consistency.

 

  • To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for gluten-free noodles.

Find it online: https://cozykitcheneats.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-chicken-pasta/