This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a zesty delight! With tender chicken, fresh garlic, and a bright lemon flavor, it’s a meal that pops with deliciousness!
I love making this dish when I need something quick yet fancy. Just cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and toss it all together—easy peasy!
You can serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍋🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using linguine or fettuccine for this recipe. They hold the sauce beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta which work just as well and taste great.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their lean quality. You could also swap in thighs for more flavor, or use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh really makes a difference!
Lemon: Fresh lemon brings brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon juice from a bottle can work, but fresh zest is hard to replace.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken correctly makes all the difference. Here’s how to get chicken that’s juicy and well-seasoned:
- Start with chicken at room temperature. About 15-20 minutes before cooking, take it out of the fridge.
- Season it well! Salt and pepper will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the oil; this helps to get a nice sear.
- Let it cook undisturbed for the first 6-7 minutes. This will help it brown nicely.
- After you flip it, check for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (reserve 2 lemon slices for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and around 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. In no time, you’ll be enjoying a fantastic meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the linguine or fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as that can create a bitter flavor.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the skillet. Then, stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and the unsalted butter to the sauce, stirring until everything is melted and creamy. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s well coated in the creamy lemon sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
To finish off, place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and the reserved lemon slices. Serve right away and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine works great, feel free to swap in any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary with different shapes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or a blend of almond milk and cornstarch can also work, but the texture will be creamier with heavy cream.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli while making the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook them until tender before combining with the pasta.
