Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

The aroma of sizzling chicken mingles with the zest of fresh lemons, creating a symphony of flavors that dance in the air. Picture this: tender pasta twirling around luscious pieces of chicken, all coated in a silky sauce that makes your taste buds sing. That’s the magic of our Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, a dish that promises to turn any ordinary meal into a delightful experience.

This recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about memories and laughter shared around the dinner table. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a chaotic weeknight, and my kitchen looked like a tornado had hit it. But as I plated this vibrant pasta, my family gathered, eyes wide with anticipation. The joy on their faces was worth every spilled ingredient and burnt garlic clove! Just imagine serving this at your next gathering, where friends will rave about its bright flavor and you’ll bask in your culinary glory.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do; feel free to adjust based on how hungry your crowd is.

• Pasta of Your Choice: I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hug the sauce, but any pasta works!

• Fresh Lemons: Use juicy lemons for zesting and juicing; they add brightness to the dish.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they infuse flavor into the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances all those lovely flavors.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.

• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; you can substitute with half-and-half if desired.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the sauce that creamy, cheesy goodness we all love.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince your garlic—this allows those flavors to shine!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and save a cup of pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold!

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté your chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while cooking.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Broth

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; let it simmer gently as those flavors meld together.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Slowly stir in heavy cream along with lemon zest and grated parmesan cheese until you have a rich sauce. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Finally, toss in your cooked pasta and mix well until everything is coated in that glorious lemony sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra lemon juice for that perfect finishing touch! Your Lemon Chicken Pasta is ready to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in its juices, then cook the pasta while preparing the lemon sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency, ensuring everything is perfectly timed for a delicious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to maintain that saucy goodness.

Sometimes, I whip up this lemon chicken pasta recipe when I’m trying to impress friends, and their smiles say it all—food truly brings people together!

FAQs :

What is the best type of pasta to use for Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?

For the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, short pasta varieties such as penne or fusilli work best. These shapes capture the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful. You can also opt for spaghetti if you prefer long pasta. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the lemony sauce well, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Can I add vegetables to my Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Consider incorporating spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them briefly before adding the chicken and sauce. This not only adds color but also creates a well-rounded meal that’s full of vitamins and minerals.

How can I make my Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe healthier?

To make your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe healthier, consider using whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta. You can also reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Additionally, using lean chicken breast and adding more vegetables will boost the nutritional value while keeping it delicious and satisfying.

Can I prepare Lemon Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them with the sauce and heat through. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights while still delivering a fresh taste.

Conclusion for Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe :

In summary, this delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken with zesty lemon flavors to create a delightful meal. By choosing the right pasta and incorporating fresh ingredients like vegetables, you enhance both taste and nutrition. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this refreshing dish!

Print

Lemon Chicken Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lemon Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, al dente fettuccine, and a zesty lemon cream sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Each bite bursts with bright flavors, transforming any dinner into a festive culinary experience that will impress family and friends alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
2. 2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
3. 3. Sauté the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4. Add garlic and broth: Stir in minced garlic for one minute, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; let it simmer.
5. 5. Make it creamy: Gradually stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and parmesan until smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
6. 6. Combine everything: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg