Lemon Garlic Chicken Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken wi
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Herb Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
Lemon slices for garnish
For the Parmesan Herb Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
For the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
Add chicken to the marinade, coating well, and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 4 hours).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade).
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
Remove chicken and set aside. To the same skillet, add butter and any reserved marinade along with chicken broth.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and heat through.
For the Parmesan Herb Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Stir in chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve:
Place a portion of the Parmesan herb pasta on each plate.
Top with a lemon garlic chicken breast.
Spoon additional sauce over chicken and garnish with lemon slices, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon garlic blend, ideal for weeknight dinners. Pair it with creamy Parmesan herb pasta for a complete meal that delights the senses. To create this dish, marinate chicken in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. This mixture infuses the chicken with robust flavors and helps keep it moist during cooking. Meanwhile, for the Parmesan herb pasta, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious sauce. Toss the cooked pasta in this sauce along with fresh parsley, basil, and additional lemon zest for a bright finish. Remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed. This dish is not just about taste; it is visually stunning as well. Garnish the finished plate with lemon slices and fresh herbs for added color. The contrast of the vibrant chicken against the creamy pasta makes it not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. Perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family meal at home.