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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a comforting yet refreshing dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety lemon-parmesan cream sauce. Bright, rich, and satisfying, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice or shred.
  3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t boil the sauce after adding cream and lemon—simmer gently to avoid curdling.
  • Great pasta choices: fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
  • Add spinach or asparagus for a veggie boost.
  • Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-pasta/