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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

A delicious and creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta featuring tender seared chicken breasts and a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce tossed with fettuccine. This quick and easy skillet meal combines bright citrus flavors with rich garlic and Parmesan for a comforting yet fresh pasta dinner perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnish

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme if using.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Flavor the Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy tossing with pasta.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  9. Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy. Add sliced chicken on top and mix until all is well combined.
  10. Serve: Plate the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile or to keep it lighter.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
  • For added texture, you can sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes on top when serving.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-chicken-pasta-recipe/