Description
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with onions and garlic, simmered in a rich lemon-infused cream sauce, and perfectly tossed with pasta. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese add aromatic and savory notes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 1 lb. Chicken Breast (about 2-3 breasts, cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
Produce & Aromatics
- 1 Onion (finely diced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
- Lemon Zest (from one lemon)
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- Fresh Basil (cut into ribbons or torn)
Pantry
- 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 lb. Pasta
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to season the water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion and Chicken: While the water heats, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cubed chicken breast; sauté for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beginning to brown.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Create Lemon Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream or half-n-half. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, adding extra zest if you prefer a brighter lemon flavor. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy lemon chicken sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil ribbons for a fragrant and delicious finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used but the freshness level will decrease.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
