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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta
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This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful, and fresh dinner option that combines tangy lemon, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, offering a bright citrus taste with minimal preparation and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb)

Produce

  • 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (a small handful)

Pantry Staples

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup or as desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemons, mince the garlic, and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in lemon juice and some reserved pasta water to create a light, zesty sauce.
  5. Combine and Serve: Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Finish with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente for the best texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and smooth the sauce.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to avoid over-seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, lemon pasta, chicken pasta

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