Lemon Chicken Pasta is a sunny dish that combines tender chicken and pasta with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s fresh, light, and bursting with flavor!
This dish is a crowd-pleaser in my house. I often add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for that extra cheesy goodness. Who can resist cheesy pasta? 🍋🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give you a lean protein option. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use thighs. Tofu or chickpeas can also work as vegetarian substitutes for a meat-free version!
Pasta: Fettuccine works well here, but you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta would be great alternatives.
Heavy Cream: The cream creates a rich sauce. For a lighter option, opt for half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like coconut milk. Keep in mind, though, it may alter the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Lemon: Fresh lemons provide both zest and juice for bright flavor. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh is always best for crisp taste.
How Do You Cook Chicken So It Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken properly can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve juicy results. Season your chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds flavor right from the start!
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high before adding chicken. This helps sear and lock in moisture.
- Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side without moving it around. Once golden brown, the chicken is more likely to stay juicy.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and full of flavor.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the chicken and pasta, and another 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give your chicken lots of flavors. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through completely. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, back to the skillet! Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Then add in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a little bit. It should look creamy and delicious!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta gently until it’s fully coated with the creamy lemon sauce. Make sure every strand of fettuccine is covered!
6. Serve:
Time to plate! Slice the cooked chicken and lay the pieces on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for some vibrant color and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty Lemon Chicken Pasta right away!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Keep in mind that using alternatives may alter the sauce’s thickness and flavor slightly, so adjust cooking time as needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Fettuccine?
If you don’t have fettuccine on hand, any pasta, such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti, will work just fine! The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta, so be sure to follow the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes during the sauce preparation. Just ensure they’re cooked until tender before mixing them with the pasta for a vibrant and nutritious meal.
