Lemon Chicken Pasta
A comforting and quick pasta dish featuring linguine, seasoned chicken, and a luscious lemon butter sauce that nourishes the soul.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces linguine Cook until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced Season with salt and pepper.
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing chicken.
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter Melt in the skillet.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- ¼ cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest For added flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Mix into sauce for creaminess.
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling the linguine in a generous pot of salted water until al dente, reserving about a cup of starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and let rest.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine, and let simmer gently for about a minute.
- Toss the drained linguine into the skillet with the lemon butter sauce and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing well until warm, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For best results, serve immediately. Consider pairing with a side salad or garlic bread. Optional: Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or asparagus for additional texture and nutrition.