Description
A delightful dish combining the bright flavors of lemon with a rich creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water until the pasta is coated. Adjust consistency with more water if necessary.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the creaminess by substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken broth for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 to 2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, lemon pasta, quick dinner, Italian cuisine