Description
A creamy, zesty pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich lemon pepper sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- 2. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
- 4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let reduce for 2 minutes.
- 6. Lower heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 7. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining black pepper to the sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Return chicken to the pan and combine everything together.
- 9. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- 10. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Can be frozen for up to 2 months, though sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Best served immediately with crusty bread and a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g