Description
A bright and cozy pasta dish that’s creamy and filling without feeling heavy, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or bowties)
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream or half and half (Half and half can be used for a lighter sauce)
- 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated (Freshly grated melts best)
- 1 ea Lemon, zest and juice (Fresh lemon is recommended)
- 1 cup Chicken broth (A splash helps loosen the sauce)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- to taste Red pepper flakes (optional) (For added heat)
- 1 cup Parsley or baby spinach (For garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta in salted water until just tender. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil and a small knob of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if the pan looks dry. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits, then add cream and let it warm gently.
- Stir in parmesan until melted, then add lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Add in the cooked pasta and chicken, tossing to combine. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Serving
- Top with parsley, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe can be made with any type of pasta you have. It also makes great leftovers. For reheating, add a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian