Description
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy lemon sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This delightful recipe brings the brightness of fresh lemon to your table, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable with seasonal ingredients, this dish promises to impress every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat, let rest, then slice.
- Create the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Add spinach or kale and toss until wilted.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in lemon juice and zest; simmer gently for about five minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss until well coated in sauce.
- Serve: Plate the Lemon Chicken Pasta, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with extra lemon zest or basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg