Description
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining tender bite-sized chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon-infused sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling water
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water as needed if you prefer a creamier sauce consistency.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy lemon chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes best in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
