Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked dry pasta
like spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, angel hair
- 6 thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- to tastesalt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
divided
- ⅓ cup finely diced shallots
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup dry white wine
like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 large lemon, juiced
- or to taste1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
divided
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
If necessary, cover chicken breasts with plastic wrap and use a mallet to lightly pound them until ½-inch thick. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- 2
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- 3
Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 4
Meanwhile, add olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet and place over MEDIUM-HIGH. When oil is good and hot add the chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate or large piece of foil to rest. Do this in batches, if necessary, to avoid over-crowding the skillet.
- 5
Reduce the heat to MEDIUM, add the shallots and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Add the white wine and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as the wine comes to a simmer. Allow wine to simmer at a low boil for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Increase heat to MEDIUM-HIGH and bring sauce to a low boil. Allow to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until thickened and reduced.
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the butter and stir until completely melted. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Transfer the browned chicken to the skillet and drizzle the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Remove from oven and top with 2 tablespoons chopped basil.
- 7
Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Place pasta in a large bowl and add cheese and remaining basil and toss to combine, adding enough reserved pasta water to moisten pasta. Serve with chicken and and spoonful of sauce.
Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta
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About this Recipe
Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels effortlessly gourmet? This Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta delivers bright, comforting flavors that will become an instant favorite, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your table.
What makes this dish truly sing is the harmonious blend of tangy lemon, aromatic shallots and garlic, and a rich, velvety sauce brightened by a splash of dry white wine. The use of thin-sliced chicken breasts ensures quick cooking, making this a perfect meal for busy evenings without compromising on flavor or sophistication.
Prepare for a truly satisfying experience where tender, savory chicken is coated in a luscious, full-bodied sauce infused with fresh lemon and a subtle warmth from crushed red pepper flakes. Paired with your favorite pasta – be it spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair – each forkful offers a delightful balance of richness and bright zest. The fresh basil and finely shredded Parmesan cheese provide a fragrant, savory finish that ties all the vibrant flavors together.
This comforting pasta dish promises a delightful interplay of textures and tastes, from the smooth pasta to the succulent chicken, all enveloped in a vibrant, creamy sauce. It’s a dish that feels elegant yet is approachable for any home cook looking to elevate their dinner routine.
Customization & Serving
Feel free to experiment with your pasta choice; bucatini or even fettuccine would work beautifully to capture every last drop of sauce. For a different protein, consider adding sautéed shrimp instead of chicken, or opt for sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them entirely. A sprinkle of fresh parsley could also complement the basil.
This Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. Serve it simply with a crisp green salad and a crusty loaf of bread to sop up every last drop of the exquisite sauce.