Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
A delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and aromatic garlic, perfect for a comforting meal.
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.
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Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or olive oil.