Description
Succulent “creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta” delivers an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey packed with zesty flavors. Quick weeknight comfort meets elegant dining, promising restaurant-quality satisfaction that delights dinner companions with minimal preparation effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
Seasonings and Additions:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the chicken pieces. Sear until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is completely cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor, about 30-45 seconds.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a luxurious base. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, delicate zest, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously until the cheese completely melts and creates a silky, smooth sauce.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it warm through and absorb the creamy sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully fold the reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the velvety sauce and intermingled with the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for an extra citrusy brightness.
Notes
- Enhance pasta texture by cooking just shy of al dente since it will continue absorbing sauce while simmering.
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Keep sauce creamy by gradually adding Parmesan and stirring continuously to prevent clumping or separation.
- Customize dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt for lower fat content or using gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg