Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I like using penne for its ridges that hold onto the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have penne, fettuccine or spaghetti work great too. You can also make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Chicken: Tender chicken breasts are the star here. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred it and toss it in at the end for a quicker dinner.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh always tastes better. Don’t forget to zest it—it’s where much of the flavor lies!

Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. Coconut cream is a dairy-free choice that adds a nice twist!

Parmesan Cheese: Good quality Parmesan enhances the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try a nutritional yeast blend for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in the Sauce?

A key step is ensuring you properly sauté the garlic. It should be fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic turns bitter! Here’s how to nail the sauce:

• Sauté Garlic: After cooking chicken, add minced garlic to the hot skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Watch it closely!
• Simmer the Sauce: When adding chicken broth, scrape the pan to release all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom; they add flavor!
• Thicken It Right: Let the sauce with cream and lemon simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This creates a wonderful creamy texture.

With these tips and ingredients, you’ll create a delightful pasta dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor!

Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful meal takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and about 15-20 minutes making the creamy lemon sauce and combining everything. Quick and flavorful!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still hold a bit of firmness when you bite into it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant but be careful not to burn it! It should be just golden.

4. Make the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds so much flavor! Next, stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a little.

5. Combine Everything:

Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in that delicious lemon cream sauce.

6. Add Cheese and Serve:

Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and mixed through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you wish. Enjoy your meal!

This Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta is perfect for any weeknight dinner. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-tasty!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

What Should I Serve with Lemon Chicken Pasta?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also great options for soaking up that delicious lemon cream sauce!