Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

A refreshing and rich lemon pasta featuring pan-seared chicken.

ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (use gluten-free for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, flattened
• 1 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning (link))
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (link)
• 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 1 lemon, zest and juice (approximately 1 tablespoon lemon zest + 1/4 cup lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Begin cooking the pasta as instructed on the package.
2. In the meantime, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, seasoned with the oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper mixture, and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through (165F/73.9C), about 5-8 minutes on each side, before setting aside.
3. Introduce the onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet, stir, and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
5. Pour in 1/4 of the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by scrubbing up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon as it simmers.
6. Incorporate the remaining broth and cream, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the parmesan, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
8. Add the lemon juice, zest, and parsley, mix well, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Combine the cooked and drained pasta with the sauce, mix and serve topped with the chicken (optional to slice).

Option: Substitute 1/4 cup of the broth with dry white wine to deglaze the skillet.
Option: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.