When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to a delightful pasta meal. If you’re on the lookout for something that’s not only easy to make but bursting with flavor, look no further than Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta.
Why We Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is a wonderful blend of taste, simplicity, and creativity. It’s adaptable, allowing for modifications based on what you have on hand. You might appreciate how it can transform from a simple weeknight meal to an impressive dish for guests with just a few tweaks. The harmony of garlic, lemon, and chicken creates an experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want something wholesome and hearty.
Ingredients about Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
To craft this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti or any long, thin pasta of your choice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large lemon (both juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or more, as desired)
- 2 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Directions
Creating Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Remember to save one cup of the pasta water before draining your noodles; it’s your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later.
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat up your olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. As they heat, you’ll want to toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these ingredients until the garlic becomes fragrant—this should only take about 30 seconds. Now it’s time to add the chicken to the skillet. Season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken while stirring frequently until it is just cooked through; this will typically take around 4 to 5 minutes. Once completed, remove the skillet from heat.
By now, your pasta should be ready to bring into the mix. Reintroduce your chicken mixture to the skillet over medium heat. Add the drained pasta and pour in a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
As the pasta warms through, keep an eye on its texture. If you find the mixture too dry, you can gradually add in more reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creaminess. To elevate the flavor further, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. It’s at this point that you can also fold in the chopped parsley. Taste the pasta once again and make any final adjustments with salt and pepper.
Once everything is mixed together and you’re satisfied with the seasoning, transfer your creation to a serving bowl or platter. If you fancy, top it off with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Serving Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is all about presentation and enjoyment. The vibrant colors of the dish, combined with the aromatic smells, create an inviting experience. You can serve it immediately after preparation while it’s still warm. A sprinkle of additional fresh parsley on top not only adds a burst of color but also freshness.
For an even more appealing presentation, consider serving your pasta on a large platter, allowing everyone at the table to help themselves. Pairing the dish with a side salad or freshly baked bread can elevate the meal nicely. For a touch of elegance, you might even provide lemon wedges for those who love an extra hit of citrus. As you gather around the table, the delightful aroma will surely captivate your guests, making this dish truly unforgettable.
Expert Tips: Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese whenever possible to enrich your dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount based on your spice preference, or even omit it for a milder version.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Cooking your pasta until it’s al dente will ensure it retains a pleasant bite. This texture helps the strands hold up against the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is a great accompaniment, you might also enjoy adding fresh basil or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Customize Your Chicken: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the chicken for shrimp or sautéed vegetables, catering to your dietary preferences.
By incorporating these tips, you empower yourself to make variations on the dish while still enjoying its foundational flavors.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is fuss-free. Make sure to allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored correctly in your fridge, the pasta should remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating is just as simple: place your desired portion in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the dish’s original moisture and flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If you notice the pasta has absorbed a lot of the sauce, the extra liquid will help restore its creamy texture.
Variation of Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
One of the best features of Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is its adaptability. You can easily experiment with various ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Instead of chicken, use peeled shrimp to create a seafood version. The shrimp cooks quickly, making for a similarly fast and delectable dish.
- Veggie Lovers Delight: Incorporate your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes, to add nutritional value while keeping the dish vibrant and colorful.
- Pasta Primavera: Add a seasonal twist by tossing in a variety of fresh, sautéed vegetables alongside your chicken. This version enhances not just the flavor but also the nutritional profile.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta: For an even richer dish, consider stirring in a bit of heavy cream or a splash of cream cheese at the end, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
With these variations, you can keep this delicious recipe fresh and exciting every time you prepare it!
FAQ about Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
What is the best type of pasta to use for Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, any long, thin pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well due to their ability to capture the sauce beautifully.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it is best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a combination of your favorite vegetables will make for an equally satisfying vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep elements in advance, such as chopping ingredients. However, the pasta is best if made and served immediately. If you have leftovers, they store well for a few days.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti or any long, thin pasta of your choice
Cooking Essentials
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Add more for extra spice.
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Ensure even cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 large lemon (both juice and zest) Fresh lemon adds brightness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Adjust to taste.
- 2 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese Optional, for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Save one cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
Combining Ingredients
- Reintroduce the pasta to the skillet, adding the reserved pasta water gradually.
- Toss everything together, mixing well with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest, along with the parsley.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Serving
- Transfer pasta to a serving bowl or platter and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!