Weeknight • Pasta
Speedy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This bright and comforting pasta dish brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a creamy sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Craving something comforting yet vibrant? This Speedy Lemon Chicken Pasta is your answer! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in less time than it takes to decide on takeout. Perfect for those busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz penne or your favorite short pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
- For a touch of freshness, add a handful of spinach at the end of cooking, letting it wilt into the sauce.
- Ensure your pan is hot when adding chicken to get a nice sear and lock in flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta will better absorb the sauce.
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