Description
A zesty and creamy lemon chicken pasta with garlic Parmesan sauce. A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients – Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix with Pasta – Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish & Serve – Stir in red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American