Chicken and Lemon Pasta
A delightful and easy meal combining savory chicken with zesty lemon over spaghetti, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti The perfect canvas for capturing all that delicious sauce.
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Tender and juicy, these will be the stars of our kitchen show.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and depth to the entire dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Infuses the dish with a robust aroma and flavor.
- 1 piece lemon (juiced and zested) Brightens and lifts the entire dish with a refreshing zing.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium) Keeps the pasta moist and adds a savory depth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) The essentials for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (chopped) A final touch of color and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese (for garnishing, optional) Because a little cheese makes everything better!
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining!
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and the juice of the lemon. Add lemon zest, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Finally, add the chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a nutritional boost, consider tossing in some spinach or cherry tomatoes just before serving. Mix in some fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a lighter alternative. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zing. Chicken can be swapped for shrimp or tofu.