One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
The ultimate comfort food! One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a creamy, zesty delight that makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep everyone coming back for more.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
- 1 small onion diced, about 1/2 cup
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 2 boneless chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- 12 oz Box Pasta I used penne, but you can Spaghetti, Elbows, Linguine or Rotini
- 1 tablespoon Zest of a lemon about 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from the same lemon
- 1/2 cup light or heavy cream
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large 10 to 12 inch pan over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This is where the magic begins! Adding the diced onion at this stage allows it to soften and become translucent, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. It's essential to stir it occasionally to prevent burning. As the onions become tender, the aroma fills the kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal ahead.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another thirty seconds. The goal here is to become fragrant without browning the garlic. As it cooks, you'll notice the enticing scent that wafts through your kitchen. This is the moment when you add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on the color; it should be golden and not gray.
- Now, it’s time to add your pasta to the pan. Pour in the water or chicken broth, making sure the pasta is submerged. Bring it to a gentle boil. This is where the pasta begins to soak up all the flavors from the chicken and seasonings. Cook it until it’s al-dente, which should take about 8 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the pan.
- Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to finish it off! Lower the heat and mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cream. This step is crucial as it binds everything together, creating a creamy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. You should be stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Look for a creamy consistency, and if it seems a bit dry, feel free to add a splash more liquid.
- After another minute on the heat, remove the pan from the stove. The pasta should look glossy, and the sauce should cling to it in a delicious way. Let it sit for a moment; this allows the flavors to meld perfectly. The fresh aroma should be intoxicating, teasing your taste buds.
- Finally, serve your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, basil is a great choice, or even some extra lemon zest for brightness. You can also add a little freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Grab a fork and dig in, it’s time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Notes
- Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Pairing: Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to integrate veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust spices: If you love a kick, add more red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Choose your pasta: Experiment with different types of pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work great too!