Lately, I’ve been craving something bright and creamy that can whisk me away from the mundane—like a mini-vacation on a plate. This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta does just that, wrapping you up in tangy lemon zest and a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. It’s like sunshine in a bowl, with a dash of nostalgia that makes you want to dance in the kitchen while the pasta boils.
Steps
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. While waiting, prepare the chicken by tossing it in a bowl with olive oil, lemon zest, and a mix of spices until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- If the water is boiling, cook the pasta until just before it’s fully done, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and cook the chopped onion until it softens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it slightly thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the sauce. Add the pasta and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing continuously over medium-high heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add more reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Once the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta, remove from heat.
- Slice the cooked chicken, place it atop the pasta, and garnish with additional parsley, Parmesan, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. pasta (such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1224 kcal | Carbohydrates: 116 g | Protein: 62 g | Fat: 54 g | Saturated Fat: 24 g | Sodium: 1840 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 12 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
- Certainly! While this recipe is designed with chicken, shrimp makes an excellent alternative for a delightful variation.
- What type of pasta works best with the creamy lemon chicken sauce?
- Long, twirl-able noodles like bucatini, pappardelle, or fettuccine are ideal as they help the creamy sauce cling to the pasta. Shorter noodles may not be as effective in achieving this.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Simply swap out the regular pasta for your preferred gluten-free variety, such as those made from brown rice or chickpeas.
- Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?
- Absolutely, this recipe is versatile and can be enhanced with vegetables like spinach, broccoli, roasted tomatoes, or mushrooms to make it more nutritious.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Tips
- Enhance Nutritional Value: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, seared mushrooms, or roasted broccoli to the pasta for added nutrition and flavor. These additions can transform the dish into a more filling and balanced meal.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for long, twirl-worthy noodles such as bucatini, spaghetti, or fettuccine. These types of pasta work best with the creamy sauce as they help to create a silky texture when combined.
- Perfect the Sauce: When simmering the sauce, if it becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. This will help maintain a creamy texture without diluting the flavor.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth to revive the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also help refresh the flavors.
Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Stockpot or Dutch oven
- High-sided skillet
