Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Primavera

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine on a plate? Ever wondered how to make a dish that is both comforting and zesty? This lemon chicken pasta recipe is just the ticket.

It's so flavorful. Honestly, you will feel like you are in Italy.

Brief Overview

This dish has roots in Mediterranean cooking. Think simple ingredients. Lemon chicken pasta is easy to make. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe serves four hungry people. Mediterranean lemon chicken pasta is a sure winner.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein. Plus, it provides essential vitamins from the veggies. Lemon chicken pasta primavera is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

It's also fancy enough for a weekend gathering. Creamy lemon chicken pasta is what you need after a long day.

Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder
• 1/4 tsp (1g) dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lb (454g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (100g) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (100g) sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1/2 cup (50g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp (12g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Set aside.
• In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the asparagus, broccoli, and sugar snap peas for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
• Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Toss to coat. Add the cooked chicken and vegetables. Toss gently to combine. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. This lemon chicken pasta is best served fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Let's Talk Ingredients

Right then, what do we need? Okay, let's whip up a keyword list worthy of Nigella Lawson! First up, the star.

You will need chicken breasts. Then, of course, pasta. Linguine or fettuccine are ideal. We also need fresh veggies like asparagus and broccoli.

Oh my gosh! Lemon is absolutely crucial, I once tried using lime (don't judge me!) it didn't work. Finally, some cream, parmesan, and a few other bits and bobs to create that delicious lemon sauce! For all of this you may want to buy from the shop 1 lb (454g) pasta to make your quick lemon chicken pasta dinner !

Veggie Variations and Substitutions

Don’t have asparagus? Green beans work just fine. No heavy cream? Milk or half and half will do the trick.

Honestly, don't stress too much. This chicken and vegetable pasta lemon sauce is forgiving. You can also throw in bell peppers, mushrooms, Linguine with lemon chicken , or just whatever is lurking in your fridge.

Zesty chicken pasta is adaptable.

Cooking Time

Here's the lowdown. Prep takes about 20 minutes. Cooking is about 25 minutes. Remember, don't overcrowd the chicken when you are cooking it, or the chicken will steam instead of sautéing .

A little patience goes a long way. Before you know it, you are going to have Easy lemon chicken pasta recipe .

Getting Started: Let's Talk Lemon Chicken Pasta Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, let's whip up this lemon chicken pasta ! Seriously, this is a super satisfying meal. It’s easier than you think to make some zesty chicken pasta .

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cubed. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Not slimy, okay?
• Pasta: 1 lb (454g) of linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Honestly, whatever you fancy!
• Asparagus: 1 cup (150g) , trimmed.
• Broccoli: 1 cup (100g) , florets.
• Sugar Snap Peas: 1 cup (100g) , trimmed.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (50g) , halved.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) for chicken, 1 tbsp (15ml) for veggies. Extra virgin, naturally!
• Butter: 1/4 cup (57g) , unsalted.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Milk or Half and Half are acceptable substitutes.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed. Please don't use the bottled stuff.
• Parmesan Cheese: 2 tbsp (12g) , grated, plus extra for serving.

Seasoning Notes

Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper are your essential spices . Seriously. Don't skip them. A pinch of red pepper flakes kicks it up a notch.

Lemon zest is non negotiable! For aromatics, fresh parsley is a must. No fresh parsley? Dried is fine, but use half the amount.

Mediterranean lemon chicken pasta is all about that freshness, so don't be shy with the herbs.

Equipment Needed

• Big pot for pasta. Seriously big!
• Large skillet. Non-stick is your friend.
• Colander. For draining the pasta, duh!
• Lemon zester.
• Lemon juicer.

Honestly, a potato peeler works in a pinch if you don’t have a zester. A fork works for juicing a lemon.

You can make some creamy lemon chicken pasta without fancy tools. You know, sometimes simple is best! Now lets make some Chicken pasta with lemon sauce .

Let's Get Cooking: Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Primavera

Okay, let's whip up a keyword list worthy of Nigella Lawson! This zesty lemon chicken pasta primavera is sunshine on a plate.

I'm serious! It’s bright, cheery, and tastes like Italy on a warm summer day. Plus, it's surprisingly easy. This isn't just about chicken pasta with lemon sauce , it's about creating a flavour explosion.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters

First things first: get your ingredients ready. It's called mise en place – fancy French for "everything in its place.

" Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and cube that chicken. Honestly, this step saves SO much time. Plus, washing up as you go? Game changer!

• Safety First: When cutting chicken, always use a clean board and wash your hands afterwards! Nobody wants a dodgy tummy.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Zesty Goodness

1. Pasta Time: Get that pasta going! A 1 lb (454g) of linguine, fettuccine, or penne cooked al dente according to package directions. Before you drain it, save about 1 cup of that pasta water. Liquid gold, I tell you!
2. Chicken Prep: Toss 1.5 lbs (680g) of cubed chicken with 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil, 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, 1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder, 1/4 tsp (1g) dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until it hits an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Take it out of the pan and put it aside.
4. Veggies Next: In the same skillet, sauté 1 cup (150g) asparagus, 1 cup (100g) broccoli, and 1 cup (100g) sugar snap peas for 3- 4 minutes , until tender-crisp. Then add 1/2 cup (50g) halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
5. Lemon Sauce Magic: Melt 1/4 cup (57g) butter, add 2 cloves minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds till fragrant. Whisk in 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth, 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice, and zest of 1 lemon . Simmer for 2- 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 2 tbsp (12g) Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
6. Combine and Conquer: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, then add the chicken and veggies. Use that reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Pro Tips for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

• Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Seriously, it steams instead of sautéing, and nobody wants pale, sad chicken!
• Fresh lemon juice is a MUST. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, you know?
• Make ahead option: You can prep all the ingredients beforehand. Trust me, this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
• Easy lemon chicken pasta recipe : Did you know that overcooking the pasta ruins the taste? You can add a Mediterranean twist by using olives and feta cheese.

Right then, there you have it! I've been making lemon chicken pasta primavera for years, and it never fails to impress.

Give this recipe a try, have fun with it, and tell me what you think. Ta-ra for now!

Recipe Notes for the Best Lemon Chicken Pasta Ever

Okay, so you’re about to make this amazing lemon chicken pasta and you might be thinking, "What now?" Don't worry, I got you covered! This is where we tweak things to make it perfect for you.

Honestly, these little details can make or break a dish.

Serving Suggestions: Dress to Impress!

Think about how you want to present your lemon chicken pasta . A simple swirl in a bowl looks great. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

A lemon wedge never hurts either. For sides, some crusty bread is amazing to soak up all that sauce. A light salad would cut through the richness.

Don't forget a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio! That's amore!

Storage Savvy: Making it Last

If you have leftovers and let's be real, who doesn't, refrigerate them ASAP. Pop your chicken pasta with lemon sauce in an airtight container.

It should last about 3-4 days . Freezing is a bit trickier because of the cream sauce. I wouldn't recommend it because it can become separated.

If you must, use a freezer safe container, and it will be good for 1-2 months . To reheat, gently warm on the stove.

You can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to mix it up? You could swap the chicken for shrimp! The Mediterranean lemon chicken pasta then becomes a scrumptious lemon shrimp pasta.

If you want it vegetarian, skip the chicken. Add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. To make a gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free pasta, simple! You can swap the asparagus for green beans.

You can also use milk instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Each serving packs roughly 650 calories. It has 50g of protein, 25g of fat, and 60g of carbs. Remember, these are estimates.

But think about it: protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, some healthy fats, and a dose of veggies.

It's a well-rounded meal. It helps to remember that this is also a easy lemon chicken pasta recipe.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to customize and enjoy your zesty chicken pasta . Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

You got this! Soon you'll be whipping up creamy lemon chicken pasta , lemon chicken pasta primavera , one-pot lemon chicken pasta , and quick lemon chicken pasta dinner .