Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Sprinkle additional lemon zest for extra brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Cook chicken thoroughly, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or cherry tomatoes.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or sliced olives for added aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Dairy or Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
