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Lemon Chicken Pasta

A comforting, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and bright lemon flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or penne)
Chicken
  • 2 pieces 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Aromatics
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves of garlic, minced For an aromatic punch
Lemon
  • 1 lemon Zest and juice from 1 lemon Brightens the dish
Sauce Base
  • 1 cup 1 cup of heavy cream For creaminess
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese To elevate the flavors
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons of olive oil To sauté the chicken
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 cups 2 cups of spinach Optional for adding vibrant color and nutrition
  • Salt and pepper To taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
  1. Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until combined, then add in grated Parmesan cheese and let simmer gently for about 3 minutes.
Combining
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken, tossing everything together with reserved pasta water as needed until desired sauce consistency is reached.
  2. If using spinach, fold it in until wilted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain pasta or Greek yogurt mixed with water instead of heavy cream. Enhance flavors with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.