There’s something about a creamy pasta dish that just wraps you in a warm, delicious hug, isn’t there? This Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort but also a bit of zing. I remember the first time I made it, I was skeptical about the lemon – but trust me, it’s a game-changer, bringing a freshness that dances with the creaminess, making a symphony on your taste buds (yes, I went there!).
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until nearly cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet, and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine, scrape the skillet to deglaze, then add chicken broth, lemon juice, extra zest, and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for about a minute.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, stir in the Parmesan, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is fully done.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh parsley or thyme, and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh-ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1992 kcal | Carbohydrates: 180 g | Protein: 136 g | Fat: 72 g | Saturated Fat: 24 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 368 mg | Sodium: 3476 mg | Potassium: 2416 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 1208 IU | Vitamin C: 20 mg | Calcium: 428 mg | Iron: 8 mg
FAQ
- How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- To keep chicken from becoming dry, use an instant-read thermometer to check for a temperature of 165°F. This indicates that it’s fully cooked. Cooking beyond this temperature can lead to dryness. Also, use thin-sliced chicken breasts for even cooking, ensure the pan isn’t dry, and pay close attention while cooking.
- What can I do to achieve a nice golden crust on my chicken?
- To get a golden crust, make sure the chicken is evenly seasoned on both sides. Additionally, ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding the chicken to the skillet. This allows for a quick sear and helps develop a nice crust.
- How can I make this dish creamy?
- If you prefer a creamy version of this dish, you can replace the white wine with 1/4 cup of heavy cream, light cream, or half and half.
- Is it possible to make this recipe with seafood instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with seafood. Prepare the sauce as directed and add garlic butter shrimp or oven-roasted lemon herb salmon for a seafood twist.
- Can I prepare this recipe without dairy?
- Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan or dairy-free substitute.
Tips
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and don’t dry out, use an instant-read thermometer. Remove the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F.
- Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the skillet by adding liquid like white wine or chicken broth. This helps lift flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, enhancing the sauce.
- Generously Salt Pasta Water: When boiling pasta, add more salt than you think necessary. The water should taste like the sea, as this subtle seasoning will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Adjust Red Pepper Flakes to Taste: The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a mild heat. Adjust the amount according to your preference, adding more for a spicy kick or less if you prefer a milder dish.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer (to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature and not dry).
- Large skillet (if you don’t already have a suitable one for cooking the chicken and sauce).
- Kitchen tongs (useful for flipping the chicken breasts while cooking).
- Zester or microplane (to zest the lemon efficiently).
- Garlic press (if you prefer not to mince garlic by hand).
