Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
What makes this dish stand out is the balance. The creamy lemon garlic pasta has just enough richness to feel indulgent, but the lemon keeps everything light and fresh.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Saving some pasta water helps loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Pro Tip: Keep the heat moderate and whisk often to prevent lumps and a grainy texture.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until every strand is coated in creamy lemon garlic pasta sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
- Pro Tip: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness—don’t skip it!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Calcium: 220 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg