Introduction
This delightful gemelli pasta dish combines tender chicken, a creamy lemon sauce, and the richness of Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 12 ounces dry gemelli pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this luscious pasta dish, replete with flavors that blend beautifully, making it a must-try in your culinary repertoire.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Incorporate the Cheese
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 8: Slice the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the skillet.
Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Step 10: Adjust the Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 11: Serve
Serve the pasta topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tip for Chicken Cooking
Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Optional Ingredients
Chopped fresh parsley is optional for serving and adds a nice flavor and color contrast.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Cream Substitution
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but note that the sauce may be less rich.
Cook techniques
Pasta Cooking
Boil gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
Chicken Preparation
Pat dry chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Pan Searing
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add minced garlic to the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until fragrant, one minute is sufficient to release the garlic’s flavor.
Making the Sauce
Combine reserved pasta water, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest in the skillet. Bring to a simmer before gradually adding heavy cream while stirring to prevent curdling.
Incorporating Cheese
Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. This adds creaminess and a rich flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth or reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute gemelli pasta with other types such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but the richness may vary.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
Boneless, skinless thighs or shrimp could be used as alternatives, but adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats or seafood.
Is it necessary to add lemon juice?
Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the cream and cheese, but you can omit it if preferred.
Conclusion
This creamy gemelli pasta with chicken is a delightful combination of flavors that perfectly balances the richness of the heavy cream and the zesty brightness of lemon. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese enhances the overall taste, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy it as a weekday dinner or serve it to impress guests on special occasions.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Gemelli Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta
Toss cooked gemelli pasta with fresh spinach, dollops of ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a creamy vegetarian option.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Replace chicken with shrimp and follow the same steps, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Chicken Alfredo Gemelli
Incorporate broccoli florets and use only Alfredo sauce instead of the lemon sauce for a classic flavor profile.
Pasta Primavera
Add seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the pasta and sauce for a freshness boost.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Sauté sliced Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions, then toss with cooked gemelli and your choice of sauce for a hearty meal.
