Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta
A refreshing pasta dish with juicy chicken, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon kick.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 250 g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Create the Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve:Top the pasta with sliced chicken and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.