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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta
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Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon, tender chicken, and silky pasta for a fresh yet comforting meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, combining simplicity with vibrant taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine pasta

Flavorings

  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Zest and juice fresh lemons. Mince garlic and chop any optional herbs or vegetables you wish to include.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Lemon: To the cooked chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with citrus flavor.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture feels dry, until you reach a silky consistency.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs. Toss to combine all the flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and absorb sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce.
  • Season chicken well to build the base flavor of the dish.
  • Add Parmesan cheese at the end to preserve its creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, lemon pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken dinner, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/