Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and served in a creamy, garlicky lemon sauce with al dente pasta. A hint of lemon zest adds brightness, while garlic infuses the sauce with rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
-
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
-
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
-
Salt for pasta water
Instructions
-
1. Cook the Pasta:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
-
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
-
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:
-
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
-
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
-
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix until well combined.
5. Serve:
-
Serve the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
-
Notes
-
Customizations: You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
-
Make it lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a little thinner.
-
Add heat: If you like some spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for extra heat.
-
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 130mg