Lemon Chicken Pasta
Try this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe.
Try this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups half-n-half
- lemon pepper marinade (just store bought use whatever brand you like)
- 4 cups dry pasta (bowtie or rigatoni is what i usually us
- 4-5 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to your liking)
- freshly ground pepper (about 1/4 tsp.)
- chopped fresh basil (about 1/4 cup)
- Carbohydrate 20.9746500000146 g
- Cholesterol 831.362500052324 mg
- Fat 154.484125025529 g
- Fiber 0.125999994277954 g
- Protein 177.545975000207 g
- Saturated Fat 86.9791000133007 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1270g)
- Sodium 2145.5400001403 mg
- Sugar 20.8486500057366 g
- Trans Fat 10.3791250015386 g
- Calories 2200 calories
Step-by-step
- Marinate chicken for a couple hours in lemon pepper marinade of your choice.
- Grill chicken breasts until no longer pink. Remove from grill and place on a plate and cover with foil. Set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- While water is boiling and pasta is cooking, in a large skillet melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and lemon juice and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and add salt and pepper, whipping cream and half-n-half. Stir until well combined.
- Add cooked pasta and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes until the pasta absorbs most of the cream mixture.
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Add chicken to pasta mixture and mix well.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Toss in fresh basil and serve immediately.
A Busy Mom's Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Lemon Chicken Pasta
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids, school events, and the general chaos of everyday life leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I've become a master of quick, delicious, and satisfying meals that the whole family loves. This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect example – it's on the table in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and tastes like something you'd find in a fancy Italian restaurant. The bright, zesty lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the pasta shape – I often use rotini or penne for a fun twist. The chicken can be grilled, pan-fried, or even baked, depending on your preference and available time. Sometimes, when I’m really pressed for time, I’ll use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, saving even more valuable minutes. The key is the delicious lemon-garlic cream sauce, which is the star of the show. It's rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor – a perfect complement to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
This recipe has become a staple in our house, a reliable weeknight dinner that always satisfies. It's impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough for a busy Tuesday night. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and I appreciate its speed and ease. It's a win-win all around. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to for you as well – a delicious and stress-free meal solution for busy families everywhere. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, but the elegant flavors mean it is just as appropriate for a special occasion. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this dish.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also boasts a surprising level of versatility. Experiment with different herbs – oregano or parsley would work beautifully. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Or, for a spicier kick, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about the time saved, the stress reduced, and the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal for your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. In the whirlwind of a busy life, sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding, and this Lemon Chicken Pasta is definitely one of those pleasures. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner.
This dish is a true testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a testament to my own evolution as a cook. In the past, I used to pour hours into elaborate dinners, only to find myself exhausted and resentful. Now, I appreciate the beauty of simple, wholesome meals that feed both my family and my soul. This Lemon Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a reflection of my journey to find balance, efficiency, and deliciousness in my kitchen.
The recipe is easily scalable, perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a larger gathering with friends and family. And the leftovers? Just as delicious the next day! It's the type of recipe that leaves you feeling satisfied, not only because of the delightful taste but also because you managed to create something special without sacrificing precious time. The best part? You can get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences.
