One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon garlic sauce. With the zing of lemon and a rich buttery sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 oz of pasta penne, spaghetti, or your favorite variety
- 3 tablespoons of butter unsalted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Chicken Broth
- Now, add the pasta to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Lemon
- Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy lemon sauce. The cream will help thicken the sauce and make it smooth and luxurious. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Back to the Pot
- Now, return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the chicken to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve your One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta in bowls or plates, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The Parmesan adds a nice salty depth of flavor, while the parsley gives the dish a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
Tips for the Best One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta
Pasta Choice: While penne is a classic choice for this dish, you can use any pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle also work well with this recipe.
Adjust the Lemon: The amount of lemon juice and zest can be adjusted based on your personal taste. If you love a more tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice, or for a milder lemon flavor, cut back on the zest.
Add Vegetables: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. Simply stir them in when you add the cream.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.