Chicken Pasta

4.3(845 reviews)

Lemon-garlic chicken pasta — bright, fresh, light. Different from the cream-based version. The Italian summer pasta classic.

Prep Time

18 min

🔥

Cook Time

17 min

🍽

Servings

6

Calories

561 cal

Jump to Recipe
Chicken Pasta — homemade American fast food recipe with pasta, chicken, cream, 6 servings, ready in 35 minutes
Fast Food
Easy

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Pasta300 g
  • Chicken750 g
  • Cream¾ cup
  • Olive Oil3 tbsp
  • Garlic4 ½ cloves
  • Parmesan Cheese¾ cup
  • Basil1 ½
  • Black Pepper¾ tsp
  • Salt1 ½ tsp

All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Pasta300 g
  • Chicken750 g
  • Cream0.75 cup
  • Olive Oil3 tbsp
  • Garlic4.5 cloves
  • Parmesan Cheese0.75 cup
  • Basil1.5
  • Black Pepper0.75 tsp
  • Salt1.5 tsp

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook 1 lb pasta (linguine) for 1 minute less than package. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  2. 2

    Cube 1.5 lb chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 min until golden and done.

  3. 3

    Add 5 sliced garlic cloves to the pan, cook 30 seconds. Add ½ cup white wine, cook 2 minutes to reduce.

  4. 4

    Add juice of 2 lemons + zest of 1 lemon + 1 teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper + ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

  5. 5

    Add drained pasta + ½ cup pasta water + ½ cup grated Parmesan. Toss 60 seconds until silky sauce coats pasta.

  6. 6

    Finish with handful of chopped fresh parsley, more Parmesan, extra olive oil drizzle. Serve immediately.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Lemon zest AND juice.
  • 2.White wine adds depth.
  • 3.Pasta water for emulsion.
  • 4.Don't overcook chicken.

🔬 Why It Works

Lemon-garlic chicken pasta succeeds with bright flavors (lemon, garlic, wine) and proper emulsion (olive oil + Parmesan + pasta water). The lighter approach than cream-based pasta is genuinely refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best pasta shape?
Linguine or spaghetti for this Italian style.
Without wine?
Substitute with chicken broth + 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
Add vegetables?
Asparagus, peas, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes.
Best for what?
Quick weeknight dinner, lighter than cream pasta, summer-appropriate.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)

Calories561kcal
Protein19g
Carbohydrates55g
Fat4g
Fiber5g
Sugar18g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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