Description
Mouthwatering zesty lemon garlic chicken pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey that dances with bright, tangy flavors. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a quick weeknight dinner sure to delight hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by generously seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the final cooking minute, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and drizzle lemon juice over chicken for a bright, citrusy essence.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest while preparing the sauce.
- Using the same skillet, reduce heat to low and melt butter, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Gently incorporate heavy cream, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and additional lemon zest, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Fold pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
- Slice rested chicken into elegant strips and arrange artfully atop the pasta.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
- Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms alongside chicken.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg