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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Fettuccine works great here, but you can easily swap it for other pasta types like spaghetti or penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect, but thighs can add more flavor and remain juicy. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works well, too.

Heavy Cream: This gives a rich sauce, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Coconut cream is a nice dairy-free option that still creates a creamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch. Adding lemon zest brightens the flavor, so don’t skip it if you can!

How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking chicken perfectly is key to this dish. Here’s a simple way to do it:

• Start by cutting chicken breasts into strips; it helps them cook faster and evenly.
• Heat olive oil in the skillet until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This is perfect for a good sear!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure browning.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer; 165°F is the safe temperature!
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing or serving. This keeps it juicy.

With these tips and ingredient swaps, you’ll make a wonderful Lemon Chicken Pasta that suits your taste and dietary needs!

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

For The Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For The Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for garnish

What’s The Time Estimate?

You’ll need about 25 minutes in total. This includes 10 minutes for prepping and cooking the chicken, and 15 minutes to cook the pasta and make the sauce. It’s super quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine Everything:

Add the lemon zest and juice to the sauce, and mix everything well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and then add the fettuccine. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.

5. Serve It Up:

Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Lemon Chicken Pasta right away, garnished with lemon slices and extra parsley if desired. Enjoy every creamy, tangy bite!

Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may take a bit longer to become al dente.

How Can I Make this Recipe Lighter?

To lighten it up, use a lower-fat cream or substitute half the cream with chicken broth. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese for fewer calories while still retaining flavor!

What Should I Do With Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce and keep it creamy.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Pasta?

Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli would add nice texture and flavor. Just sauté them in the skillet along with the garlic before adding the heavy cream.