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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 47 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and served over perfectly al dente fettuccine. The creamy sauce made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese adds a zesty richness that brightens the whole meal, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme if using. This will build the flavor base for the dish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Remove from the skillet and allow to rest briefly.
  4. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to release its flavor into the butter.
  5. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  7. Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the pasta and sauce.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. Add some reserved pasta water as needed to help loosen and coat the pasta beautifully.
  9. Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Then, add the sliced chicken and toss gently to combine all components evenly.
  10. Serve: Plate the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta in serving bowls. Garnish with the freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
  • Parmesan cheese can be freshly grated for best melting and flavor impact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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