Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Pine Nuts
"Gelsons market has a fantastic variety of prepared foods in the deli," says Susan Baker of Los Angeles, California. "My mother, who doesnt have a Gelsons where she lives in Tacoma, would make a trip to Southern California just for their lemon chicken pasta. Id love to surprise her with the recipe." This dish is best served either chilled or at room temperature. If youd like to make your own pasta, our technique video will show you how.
"Gelsons market has a fantastic variety of prepared foods in the deli," says Susan Baker of Los Angeles, California. "My mother, who doesnt have a Gelsons where she lives in Tacoma, would make a trip to Southern California just for their lemon chicken pasta. Id love to surprise her with the recipe." This dish is best served either chilled or at room temperature. If youd like to make your own pasta, our technique video will show you how.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plus 2/3 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 3/4 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 12 ounces lemon-pepper fettuccine or regular fettuccine
- 2 1/2 cups snow peas (about 5 ounces), cut into matchstick-size strips
- 3/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- Carbohydrate 48 g(16%)
- Cholesterol 41 mg(14%)
- Fat 43 g(66%)
- Fiber 4 g(14%)
- Protein 24 g(47%)
- Saturated Fat 3 g(17%)
- Sodium 103 mg(4%)
- Calories 665
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Cool. Cut chicken crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
- Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain well; transfer to large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Add chicken, snow peas, pine nuts and parsley; toss to incorporate all ingredients.
- Whisk lemon juice and mustard in medium bowl. Add remaining 3/4 cup oil in thin stream, whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss pasta with enough dressing to coat. (Can be made 3 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Toss before serving.)
A Culinary Surprise for Mom: Lemon Chicken Pasta
The aroma of fresh lemon, the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts, and the tender bite of chicken—this isn't just a pasta dish; it's a love letter to my mom. Inspired by a delicious prepared meal I discovered at Gelson's Market here in Los Angeles, this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey back to simpler times, a tribute to family, and a testament to the power of a simple, yet extraordinary, dish.
My mom, living far away in Tacoma, often reminisces about her visits to Southern California. One of her fondest memories is always our family's trips to Gelson's Market. It’s a special place, filled with an enticing array of prepared foods. Among her favorites, their Lemon Chicken Pasta consistently steals the show. The vibrant flavors, the perfect balance of textures, the hint of summer sunshine captured in every bite – it’s become a cherished memory for her.
I've always considered myself more of a "home cook" than a culinary artist. My kitchen skills are more practical than glamorous. I'm a working mom, balancing the endless demands of work and family life. I wouldn't call myself a chef; I'm just a woman who loves to make delicious, satisfying food for the people I love. So when I thought about making this dish for my mom, I knew it had to be authentic. I had to capture the very essence of that unforgettable Gelson's experience. It was more than just recreating a recipe; it was about replicating the emotion, the joy, and the feeling of warmth that it evoked.
This recipe is simple, yet elegant. It's the type of dish that doesn't require hours of painstaking preparation, yet the results are incredibly rewarding. The bright, zesty lemon dressing adds a vibrant touch, cutting through the richness of the chicken and the nutty flavor of the pine nuts. The fettuccine, cooked perfectly al dente, provides a wonderful canvas for the harmonious blend of flavors. And the snow peas add a refreshing crunch, that satisfying pop against the creamy, luxurious dressing.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its incredible taste, but also in its versatility. It can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or for special occasions when you want a delicious meal without the stress of last-minute cooking. The fact that it tastes equally delightful served chilled or at room temperature further adds to its convenience and appeal. I often prepare this dish the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and develop, creating an even more sensational meal for my family.
More than just a recipe, this dish is a reminder of the importance of family, memories, and the simple pleasures of life. It's a way to connect with loved ones through the shared experience of a delicious meal. It's a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to evoke cherished memories, and to create new ones. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking. Making this Lemon Chicken Pasta for my mother wasn’t just about surprising her with a delicious meal; it was about creating a special moment, a reminder of our shared experiences, and a gesture of love expressed through the simple act of cooking a cherished family favorite. It’s a culinary hug, sent across state lines, with the hope that every bite brings a smile to her face.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to try this recipe. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with love and care, to create something truly extraordinary. And most importantly, it's a perfect way to show someone you care, one delicious bite at a time.
Beyond the Recipe: This Lemon Chicken Pasta has become more than just a dish; it's a symbol of family connection. The simple act of recreating a beloved memory, the sharing of a special meal, these are the things that truly matter. So, the next time you're looking for a way to express your love and appreciation, consider creating a culinary memory for someone special. You might be surprised at the joy it brings, to you and to those you share it with.
