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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta
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Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with vibrant citrus flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. This zesty and creamy dish balances fresh brightness with comforting heartiness, making it an ideal protein-packed dinner that can be customized to your taste with veggies or spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Fresh Ingredients

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry Staples

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
  2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the zesty sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
  4. Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding more pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for freshness.
  5. Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty punch.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; cook it just until done to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese into the pasta off the heat to avoid clumping or graininess.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, citrus pasta, chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, healthy pasta

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/