Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Lemon Chicken Pasta! This dish is bursting with bright flavors and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of tangy lemon, tender chicken, and al dente pasta creates a delightful meal that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of linguine pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth
– 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps:
1. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
8. Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the lemon cream sauce.
9. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the Lemon Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add vegetables: Sauteed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be a delicious addition to the dish. Simply cook them along with the garlic in step 4.
– Spicy twist: If you like a hint of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
– Herb-infused: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Lemon Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:
– Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a slightly bitter taste.
– Don’t overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on it while it’s cooking to avoid dryness.
– To make this recipe lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the skillet after step 6 and cook for an additional minute to thicken.
– Garnish the dish with some lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared a delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta. This recipe is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The tangy lemon, creamy sauce, and tender chicken create a harmonious combination that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Remember to get creative with variations and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While linguine is traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta of your choice.
Q: How long will the leftovers last?
A: The Lemon Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before enjoying.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.
Q: Can I freeze the Lemon Chicken Pasta?
A: Unfortunately, the creamy sauce in this recipe does not freeze well. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Lemon Chicken Pasta 🍋🍗✨
A delicious and tangy lemon chicken pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon sauce that will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
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8 ounces linguine pasta
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
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Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the lemon cream sauce.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the Lemon Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
