Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken

Indulge in this creamy lemon pasta with chicken, a delightful symphony of flavors balancing tangy citrus, creamy richness, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
🍗 2 larger chicken breasts
🧂 1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:
🍝 1 pound of your favorite pasta
🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧅 1 small red onion, finely chopped
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🍋 Zest of 2 lemons
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🍗 1 cup chicken broth
🍋 Juice of 2 lemons
🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
💧 1 cup of pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
🧂 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1- Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the chicken breasts on it.
• In a small bowl, mix seasoned salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and thoroughly season both sides with the spice mixture.
• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

2- Cook the Pasta:

• Boil the pasta as per package instructions. Once done, drain and reserve one cup of the pasta water.

3- Make the Sauce:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
• Add chili flakes, black pepper, and lemon zest. Stir for about a minute.
• Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.

4- Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined and creamy.
• Season with salt as desired and let cook for an additional minute.
• Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley.

5- Slice and Serve:

• Let the baked chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
• Serve the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, garnishing with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approx. 750
Macronutrients per Serving: Protein: 45g, Fats: 35g, Carbohydrates: 70g
Equipment: Baking tray, Parchment paper, Large pot, Large skillet

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili powder and chili flakes.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor intensity.
• Ensure the sauce is well incorporated with the pasta for a richer taste.

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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken