Introduction
Chicken and pasta dishes are beloved staples in many cuisines around the world, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. This recipe features tender chicken pieces tossed in a creamy lemon-garlic sauce with spaghetti or bucatini, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Fresh parsley and parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/2 pound spaghetti or bucatini
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt and pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
To prepare this enjoyable dish, start by seasoning the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside and use the same skillet to create a vibrant lemon-garlic mixture that will bring the pasta to life. After cooking the pasta to al dente, combine it with the sauce, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the pasta, ensuring every ingredient is well mixed and heated through. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan for an elegant touch. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, showcasing simple ingredients that come together to create an impressive meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are coated evenly with the seasonings.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Lemon
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine with the garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the garlic is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or bucatini according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon-garlic mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing the pasta to coat it evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Parsley
Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 7: Incorporate the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together in the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
Step 8: Serve the Dish
Serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
You can use different types of pasta if preferred, but ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the type you choose.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick if you enjoy some heat.
Cook techniques
Seasoning
Season the cubed chicken with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch to add flavor and create a light coating that will help in browning the chicken.
Searing
Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, which enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Garlic Infusion
After removing the chicken, sauté minced garlic in the same skillet to infuse the oil with flavor before adding other ingredients, ensuring a depth of taste in the dish.
Pasta Cooking
Cook spaghetti or bucatini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve pasta water, which helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Combining Sauce
Mix the cooked pasta with the lemon-garlic mixture, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. This step helps the pasta absorb the flavors while creating a creamy sauce.
Melting Cheese
Stir in finely grated parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce and add a creamy texture. Make sure to combine until fully melted for a cohesive dish.
Final Toss
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients and heat.
Garnishing
Serve the dish garnished with additional parsley and parmesan cheese to enhance presentation and add fresh flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them thoroughly before cooking for even cooking and better texture.
What is the difference between spaghetti and bucatini?
Bucatini is a thicker spaghetti with a hole running through the center, adding a different texture to the dish while both noodles work well in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute parmesan with pecorino Romano or Gruyère for different flavor profiles, though the taste will vary.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for a lighter version, although the sauce may be less creamy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, including chicken and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon chicken pasta dish is a delightful combination of bright flavors and comforting textures. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich creamy sauce create a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan, it not only tastes delicious but also looks appealing on the plate. Enjoy this dish with family and friends for a delightful dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Sauté seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, then toss with spaghetti and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a light and fresh dish.
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Replace chicken with shrimp in the original recipe. Cook the shrimp in garlic and lemon juice, then combine with pasta and creamy sauce for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Creamy Pasta
Use spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes instead of chicken. Sauté the vegetables, then follow the same procedure for the creamy sauce to create a delicious vegetarian option.
Chicken Piccata
Pan-sear chicken breasts and deglaze the pan with white wine, lemon juice, and capers for a tangy sauce. Serve with a side of pasta or rice for a full meal.
