Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta

$For the main part of this dish, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta The chicken adds protein, while the pasta gives the dish its heartiness. To make the dish pop, gather these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 large lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons) These aromatics bring out bright flavors. The garlic adds depth, while lemon zest and juice provide a fresh kick. For a rich and creamy sauce, you will need: - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish Heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce creamy and rich. Salt and pepper help balance the flavors. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch on top. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means tender but still firm. When done, drain the pasta but keep 1/2 cup of the starchy water. Set the pasta aside. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into strips. Season the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it up before adding 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make the dish bitter. Next, stir in the zest of 1 large lemon and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let this mixture bubble gently for about a minute. This step brings all the flavors together. Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If it gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Keep stirring until you reach the right consistency. Finally, add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken and pasta are well coated in the lemon sauce. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Plate the pasta warm and garnish with a handful of torn or whole fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch and fresh aroma. - Use a large pot with lots of water. - Add salt to the water; it should taste like the sea. - Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. - Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. - Reserve some pasta water; it helps the sauce later. Cooking pasta well is key to a great dish. The right texture makes every bite enjoyable. Plus, the salty water adds flavor. - Cut chicken into even strips for even cooking. - Season with salt and black pepper before cooking. - Use medium heat to avoid burning. - Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. - Let it rest before slicing, so it stays juicy. Perfect chicken adds a lot of flavor. It should be tender and cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out. - Start with sautéed garlic for a rich base. - Use heavy cream for that silky texture. - Stir in Parmesan cheese slowly until melted. - Add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness. - Taste often to get the seasoning just right. A creamy sauce brings everything together. It coats the pasta and chicken nicely. Adjust the sauce as needed for the best result. - Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish. - Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add freshness. - A squeeze of lemon juice brightens flavors. - Try different cheeses like feta for a twist. Enhancing flavors takes your dish to the next level. Small changes can make a big difference. Keep experimenting to find your favorite combination. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will elevate the dish significantly compared to bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh where possible. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a less rich flavor. Perfect Pasta: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it just until al dente, and remember to toss it with the sauce immediately after draining. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of your lemon chicken pasta by adding vegetables. Try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. These veggies add color and flavor. Simply sauté them after cooking the garlic. Add them to the skillet before mixing in the chicken and pasta. This makes your dish more balanced and tasty. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap out the regular pasta. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. You can find these options in most stores. The cooking time may differ, so watch your pasta closely. This way, everyone can enjoy lemon chicken pasta without worry. Want to change the protein in your lemon chicken pasta? You can use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken. Cook shrimp until pink and tender. For salmon, pan-sear it until flaky. If you choose tofu, make sure to press it well and sauté until golden. Each choice brings a new flavor to the dish. After enjoying your lemon chicken pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. This dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it sealed to prevent it from drying out. You can always add a splash of water or cream before reheating to refresh the sauce. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the dish with fresh basil, as it doesn't freeze well. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or cream. Heat it on low, stirring often until warmed through. For the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. This helps keep it moist and prevents drying out. Enjoy your meal again, just as good as the first time! I recommend using linguine or spaghetti for this dish. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. They also add a nice texture. You can use any pasta you enjoy, but these work best with the lemon flavor. You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice tastes better. Fresh lemons give a bright, zesty flavor. The zest also adds great aroma. If using bottled juice, choose one with no added sugars. To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken. Another option is to add finely chopped jalapeños. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. For a low-calorie version, try Greek yogurt. Just mix it in slowly to avoid lumps. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture. Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the pasta right before serving. This way, it stays fresh and al dente. Just toss everything together when ready to enjoy. This blog post covers everything you need for a great lemon chicken pasta. You learned about each ingredient, from the chicken and pasta to the creamy sauce. The step-by-step instructions made cooking easy. I shared tips for perfect pasta and chicken, plus sauce secrets. You can try fun variations and have storage tips, too. Cooking is fun and sharing meals brings joy. Enjoy your lemon chicken pasta experience!$

Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
1 2 heavy cream
1 2 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
a handful fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Keep the pasta aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
Add the Flavor: To the skillet, stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the mixture to bubble gently for about a minute. This helps to meld the flavors beautifully.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring until desired consistency is achieved.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are well coated in the luscious lemon sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Carefully plate the pasta warm, allowing the creamy sauce to cling to each strand. Finish with a generous garnish of fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and vibrant presentation.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to your taste and garnish with fresh basil for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, lemon, pasta, quick meal