Description
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender sautéed chicken with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a zesty and comforting meal that can be prepared in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- 1 lb. Chicken Breast (about 2-3 breasts), cubed
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 3 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil, cut into ribbons or torn
Pasta
- 1 lb. Pasta (your choice, e.g. penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to season the water thoroughly. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: While the water heats, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Increase heat to medium-high and add the cubed chicken breast pieces. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Then season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Make Lemon Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream or half-n-half. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors meld. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest; add more lemon zest if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed.
- Toss and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the creamy lemon chicken sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil ribbons. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- You can substitute half-n-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- The red pepper flakes add a mild heat—adjust according to your spice preference or omit if desired.
- Any pasta shape works well; penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all great choices.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note, but you can substitute with parsley if preferred.
- To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta variety.
