This Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright and zesty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Tender chicken and flavorful pasta come together with a light, lemony sauce that’s simply irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works well, but you could use any pasta shape you like! Penne or spaghetti are great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a solid choice. For a quicker option, you could use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, just add it in the last few minutes.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour for thickness, but keep in mind, it won’t be quite as rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parm is best for flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even a vegetarian Parmesan if that’s preferable.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is ideal, but bottled lemon juice can work in a hurry. Just be careful with the amount as it can be more concentrated.
How Can I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but following a few simple tips can ensure you get that perfect, juicy chicken every time:
- Make sure to preheat your skillet—this helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high to get a good sear, but don’t rush it! Allowing it to cook without moving it will help develop the crust.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is key; it lets the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious chicken in your Lemon Chicken Pasta ready to impress everyone at the dinner table!
How to Make Delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbs: 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
- Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Lemon: Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon Slices: For garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Lemon Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken while the pasta cooks at the same time. Once everything is tossed together, it’s ready to serve—quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in your fettuccine or linguine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it—this will help your sauce later!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is boiling, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will give the chicken nice flavor. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked throughout. After cooking, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add in the butter and minced garlic, sautéing until it’s nice and fragrant, which should take just about a minute. Next, pour in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let everything simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. It should be rich and fragrant!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, mixing it in until the pasta is evenly coated. If you find that the sauce is too thick, don’t worry! Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water in until you achieve your desired consistency.
5. Finish Up:
Finally, return the sliced chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the pasta. Sprinkle your fresh parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese over the top for that finishing touch. For a bit of flair, garnish with lemon slices.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Lemon Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, spaghetti, or even shells would all be delicious choices!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
What Can I Do with Leftovers?
Leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor. Sauté them in the same pan after cooking the chicken, then follow the recipe as usual!
