Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
or other long, thin pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 large garlic cloves
minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
or more
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
cut into bite size pieces
- to tastekosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large lemon
juice and zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
or more
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese
freshly grated, optional
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until firm to the bite (al dente), about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper; cook and stir until chicken is just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 3
Once you've drained the pasta, set skillet with chicken mixture over medium heat. Add drained, cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water; toss to coat. Cook and stir until heated through, adding more pasta water if pasta seems too dry.
- 4
Remove pasta from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl or platter; top with grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
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About this Recipe
Looking for a weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss? This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, blending dinner party elegance with effortless ease, ready to impress even on the busiest evenings.
The magic of this pasta dish lies in its vibrant balance of flavors and efficient preparation. Tender chicken, bright lemon zest and juice, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes all come together in a luscious sauce. It's a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly memorable and satisfying.
Prepare for a symphony of tastes that awakens the palate. You'll savor succulent, tender chicken pieces, perfectly complemented by al dente spaghetti, all coated in a rich, buttery olive oil and lemon sauce. The bright, fresh lemon provides a zesty counterpoint to the savory depth of the garlic, while the optional crushed red pepper flakes introduce a gentle warmth, making each forkful exciting and irresistible. Finishing with a generous shower of fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan elevates this dish, delivering a comforting yet refined experience that will leave everyone satisfied.
Feel free to tailor this dish to your pantry or preferences.
- Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different protein.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking; omit for no heat or add more for an extra kick.
- While fresh parsley adds a beautiful green freshness, you can use other soft herbs like basil or chives for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Don't have long, thin pasta like spaghetti? Penne, rotini, or fusilli would also work beautifully as an alternative.
This versatile pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious, yet it's elegant enough to serve guests at a dinner party. Enjoy it on its own or with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.