You know those special moments that just stick with you? For me, it was a cozy family dinner where I whipped up my favorite lemon chicken pasta. The bright, zesty flavors filled the kitchen, and as we dug in, I could see everyone’s faces light up with delight. It’s such a simple dish, but oh-so-satisfying! I love how the juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy lemon sauce, making it feel both fresh and comforting at the same time. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—perfect for weeknights or impressing friends. Trust me, once you taste this lemon chicken pasta, it’ll become a go-to in your home too!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious lemon chicken pasta, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (I love using fettuccine or penne!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for that lovely sauté
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested—this is where the magic happens!
- 1 cup chicken broth to bring it all together
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for that creamy richness
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of color and flavor on top
These ingredients are super straightforward, and I bet you might already have a few of them in your kitchen! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Lemon Chicken Pasta
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious lemon chicken pasta! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente since it’ll cook a bit more later. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. You want that garlic to become fragrant but not burnt—so keep an eye on it!
- Mix in the flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring this beautiful mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
- Bring on the cream: Now, pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. Allow it to heat through for another couple of minutes.
- Toss it all together: Finally, add the cooked pasta to your skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer your lemon chicken pasta to plates and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
And there you have it! This lemon chicken pasta is not only easy to make, but it’s also a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Fresh, zesty flavors that brighten up any meal.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite pasta shapes.
- Creamy texture that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Light yet filling, making it ideal for any occasion.
Trust me, once you make this lemon chicken pasta, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Tips for Success
To make your lemon chicken pasta absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the lemon juice and zest—it’s the star of the show! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste; a little more zest can really elevate the dish. If you want to lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a splash of vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
When cooking your chicken, make sure it’s browned nicely for that wonderful flavor. And remember, always taste as you go! A pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make a world of difference. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes to pack in more nutrients and color. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful lemon chicken pasta, it’s good to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 70g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, whether you’re indulging or keeping an eye on your macros, this dish has a little something for everyone!
FAQ Section
What pasta works best for this recipe?
When it comes to choosing pasta for lemon chicken pasta, you’ve got a lot of options! I personally love using fettuccine or penne because they hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully. But really, any pasta shape you fancy will work—spaghetti, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re watching your carbs! Just cook it al dente so it can soak up all those delicious flavors in the sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you want to make this lemon chicken pasta dairy-free, there are some great substitutions you can try. For the heavy cream, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Just make sure to pick one that doesn’t have a strong flavor that could overpower the lemony goodness. For an extra touch, you could add a splash of almond milk or cashew cream for creaminess. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing!
How can I add more vegetables to lemon chicken pasta?
Great question! Adding veggies to your lemon chicken pasta is super easy and a fantastic way to boost nutrition. Try tossing in some fresh spinach or kale right at the end of cooking—just let them wilt in that warm sauce. You can also sauté some cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the chicken for a colorful addition. Just keep it simple, and you’ll have a vibrant and healthy meal in no time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious lemon chicken pasta (which is rare, but it happens!), storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact. Just place it in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 days—though I bet it won’t last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to bring back that luscious sauce and prevent it from drying out. Just stir occasionally until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, a quick 1-2 minutes will do the trick, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Lemon chicken pasta that will make your taste buds sing
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious lemon chicken pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer and reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and mix well.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Adjust lemon juice based on your taste.
- Can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, chicken pasta, lemon pasta, Italian pasta
