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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken and pasta in a luscious, tangy creamy lemon sauce that comforts without weighing you down.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams), sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (about 50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let sauce gently bubble for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the sauce, coating well. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Toss drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix gently to coat pasta evenly. Cook together for 1 additional minute to meld flavors.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Add a pinch of sugar if sauce is too tangy. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to prevent curdling. Thin chicken slices cook quickly and stay juicy. Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy chicken recipe, lemon cream sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-quick-weeknight-dinner-ideas/