Description
Indulge in the bright flavors of lemon chicken pasta with this easy and creamy recipe. Tender chicken, tangy lemon, and savory Parmesan come together in a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. A perfect balance of citrus and richness in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as linguine or penne)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until golden brown; set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add seasonings, broth, and lemon juice. Stir in cream, zest, Parmesan, and butter until thick.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan, add spinach, then toss with pasta and reserved water.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
