Elevate your weeknight dinner with this bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken. Tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and tender chicken combine with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic sauce.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
8. Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with red pepper flakes, if desired.
9. Serve the Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Variations:

• For added freshness, you can stir in some baby spinach or arugula at the end until wilted.
• Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.

Serving Tips:

• Serve this pasta dish with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:

• This pasta dish is a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the lemon and garlic.

FAQs:

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine.

Conclusion:

• With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, it’s a versatile dish that everyone will love.