Description
This Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta features tender strips of chicken seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic, tossed in a creamy lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese, and served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken strips with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- Add sautéed spinach, asparagus, or broccoli to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.
- This recipe works well with grilled chicken or shrimp as an alternative protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
