Description
A fresh and bright Italian-inspired lemon chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic, combined with a light lemon cream sauce, parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy stovetop recipe balances citrusy zest with creamy richness for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of choice
Produce
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Oils
- 1 cup cream or milk (or broth for lighter version)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make lemon sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, followed by the cream or milk (or broth). Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and cheese. Add the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese to the skillet with the lemon chicken sauce. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, serve warm, and enjoy your bright and creamy lemon chicken pasta dish.
Notes
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
