Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and tangy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and served over fettuccine pasta with a luscious lemon-infused garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet fresh, the combination of parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and garlic makes this pasta dish irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme for added flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix until well combined throughout.
- Serve: Serve the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for a fresh, appetizing finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Dried thyme is optional but adds a nice herbal note that complements the lemon and garlic.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor impact.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
