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Lemon Chicken Pasta

A comforting dish of tender chicken and spaghetti or fettuccine in a creamy lemon sauce, perfect for family gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine Choose your favorite pasta for a comforting base.
Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh or thawed, they add lean protein.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin for a nice flavor boost.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
  • 1 cup chicken broth A flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream This is what makes our sauce rich and velvety.
  • 2 pieces lemons Juice and zest are essential for that bright flavor.
  • to taste salt and pepper Simple, yet crucial for balancing flavors.
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped For garnish and a pop of color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Cooking
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches
  1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to swap spinach with kale for a stronger flavor or use whole grain pasta for a healthier twist. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream.