When it comes to comfort food that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors, Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta stands out as a true delight. This dish not only brings a medley of flavors but also provides a pleasing texture, making it a perfect candidate for weekday dinners or special occasions. You’ll find that this recipe elevates your usual chicken pasta to new heights, thanks to the fresh ingredients and zesty lemon that bring everything together.
Why We Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
What makes Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta a favorite in so many households? The reasons are plentiful! Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you consider yourself a novice in the kitchen, this recipe guides you through each step, ensuring that the end result is a delicious meal. Secondly, the combination of lemon and garlic creates an aromatic and flavorful delight that dances on your palate.
Furthermore, this dish exudes versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs without much effort. Whether you like to add extra vegetables or swap out the chicken for something else, the framework of this recipe allows for creativity. You’ll find that having a go-to recipe like this on hand opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
Ingredients about Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you need to make your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta a success:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-3 pieces
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup milk or half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, with extra for serving
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
With these fresh ingredients, you’re all set to whip up a delicious meal that bursts with flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Directions
To prepare your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta, follow these straightforward steps:
- Prepare the Asparagus: Start by washing and trimming the asparagus ends. Cut them into bite-sized 2-3 pieces. This makes them easy to incorporate into your dish later.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and butterfly them. This involves slicing them horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. About five minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the asparagus pieces. This will allow them to get tender without losing their vibrant color. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and asparagus, setting them aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional few minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dried thyme and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the Ingredients: While the sauce is simmering, cut the cooked chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta, asparagus, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture and toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water bit by bit until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Your dish is now complete! Serve it with extra parmesan cheese on top and a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Serving your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is as crucial as the cooking process. To present this delightful dish effectively, consider these tips:
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top before serving. A light sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the dish’s presentation and taste.
- Plate Style: Use wide, shallow bowls for serving. This not only allows for the beautifully plated pasta and chicken to shine but also helps to capture any sauce that may pool at the bottom.
- Accompaniment: Pairing the pasta with a light salad or garlic bread makes for a well-rounded meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette can help balance the creaminess of the pasta.
- Wine Pairing: While this recipe doesn’t call for wine, a crisp, non-alcoholic beverage can complement the dish beautifully. You might enjoy sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch.
Expert Tips: Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
To ensure that your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips you can follow:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your asparagus and garlic will considerably enhance the overall flavor. Whenever possible, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It’s essential to follow the package instructions closely. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and absorb the sauce more effectively, creating a delightful texture.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can add a lovely touch.
- Meal Prep: If you’re short on time, consider preparing the chicken and sauce ahead of time. You can store these components in the refrigerator and then quickly combine them with freshly cooked pasta and asparagus when you’re ready to eat.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Storing leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a breeze, making it a fantastic option for meal prep:
- Cool First: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation in the storage container, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the pasta to airtight containers. It’s best to separate the pasta from the sauce to maintain the integrity of both.
- Refrigeration: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator, where they will typically last for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze portions of the pasta and sauce. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help bring it back to life.
Variation of Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to match your tastes or ingredients on hand. Here are some fun variations for your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, you might like to use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- More Veggies: Incorporate a variety of vegetables into this dish. Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes can add color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Spice It Up: For those who prefer a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing, or mix in a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
FAQ Section
What is Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta?
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines penne pasta, tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a creamy lemon-garlic sauce. It’s known for its bright flavors and satisfying texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
You can enrich the taste by using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Adding extra herbs, such as basil or parsley, and adjusting the seasoning can also elevate the dish.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to serve. This makes for a quick meal on busy days.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu, and feel free to add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta or pasta of your choice
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-3 pieces ensures vibrant color
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, butterflied for quicker cooking
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning the chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
- 2 tbsp butter for making the sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup milk or half and half for creaminess
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, with extra for serving for a rich flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and trim the asparagus ends. Cut them into bite-sized 2-3 pieces.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create thinner pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- About five minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the asparagus pieces until tender.
- Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and asparagus, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing to a gentle simmer. Stir in dried thyme and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cut the cooked chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the pan, along with the cooked pasta, asparagus, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the mixture and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water bit by bit for desired consistency.
Serving
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese on top and a lemon wedge on the side for added flavor.
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