Delicious Lemon Parmesan Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)
Sautéed chicken, lemon, and parmesan create a creamy pasta perfect for both weeknights and special evenings.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Poultry
01 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
→ Pasta
02 -
12 ounces dried linguine
→ Dairy
03 -
0.75 cup heavy cream
04 -
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
05 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
→ Produce
06 -
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
07 -
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 -
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
→ Pantry
09 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra to taste
10 -
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
0.5 teaspoon paprika
13 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
→ Other
14 -
0.5 cup reserved pasta water
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Combine chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
03 -
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
05 -
Add lemon zest and juice to the pan. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan and garlic powder until the sauce thickens slightly.
06 -
Add cooked linguine and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs to coat each strand with sauce, adding additional pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
07 -
Top pasta with sautéed chicken. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately on pre-warmed plates.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For optimal flavor, use only freshly grated Parmesan cheese and zest the lemon just before use to capture maximum citrus aroma.
02 -
Monitor the skillet temperature to avoid burning the garlic and butter, which can impart bitterness to the sauce.