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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 24 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta that combines tender seared chicken thighs with a luscious garlic-lemon cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh herbs. This dish offers a delightful balance of citrus brightness and creamy indulgence, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 500 g chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
  • 500 g dried pasta (cooked according to package directions)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 50 ml chicken stock (made with a chicken stock cube or water)
  • 400 ml single cream
  • 25 g grated Parmesan
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes (optional)

Herbs

  • ½ bunch parsley (chopped)
  • ½ bunch basil (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 250 ml of the pasta water. Set aside the pasta and reserved water.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken thighs well with sea salt. When the pan and oil are hot (oil will shimmer), place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 6 minutes on each side until cooked through, using a thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 75°C. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock or water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add Lemon and Cream: Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Gradually whisk in the single cream, then add the grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  5. Add Herbs and Combine: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil, and add crushed chilli flakes if using. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Slice the cooked chicken thighs and arrange them on top of the pasta. Pour any collected chicken juices back into the pan to enhance the sauce if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce for perfect consistency.
  • Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to your spice preference or omit entirely.
  • Check chicken doneness with a thermometer to ensure food safety.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted or complemented with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-pasta-recipe/