The perfect pasta dish for summer: lemon chicken recipe pasta with a zesty kick

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our delectable lemon chicken recipe pasta, a symphony of zest and umami that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the succulent tenderness of chicken, enveloping it all in a creamy pasta sauce that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Chicken:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Cook the Pasta:

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.

Make the Sauce:

1. Add heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce.
2. Mix well to combine.
3. Add the cooked chicken and stir.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or juice to the chicken marinade.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk instead.
• To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of sweetness and tanginess.
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Asparagus: Add blanched asparagus to the pasta after it has been cooked for a fresh and springy addition.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Some popular choices include penne, rotini, and spaghetti.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lemon chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce and toss with the cooked pasta.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.