Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

If you’re in search of a delightful dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a culinary experience, look no further than Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta. Imagine arriving home after a long day, craving something comforting yet refreshing. That’s when this dish comes to the rescue! The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bright lemon zest will make your taste buds sing. I remember the first time I prepared this for my family; the aroma wafting through the kitchen immediately drew everyone in. As we gathered around the table, the vibrant colors and enticing smells made it clear that dinner was going to be special. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet is so easy to whip up, making it perfect for both casual weeknights and more festive occasions.

Shopping List for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a success. Each ingredient plays a specific role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy richness of the cheeses to the bright acidity of the lemon, these components work in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound spaghetti: The base of your dish, spaghetti provides a wonderful texture that holds the creamy sauce well.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding a delightful depth of flavor.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, this protein is essential for a satisfying meal.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, it forms the base of the sauce that binds everything together.
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• 1 large lemon: The star for brightening the dish, both the zest and juice are needed.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: This herb adds a touch of earthiness and complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Essential for seasoning the chicken and pasta.
• ½ teaspoon pepper (divided): Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1 clove garlic (minced): A must for aromatic flavor in the sauce.
• 3 cups spinach: This adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience that combines easy steps with tasty results. Let’s dive into the process so that you can enjoy this creamy dish in no time!

1. Set a large pot on the stove filled with water and generously salted to begin boiling for the spaghetti. You want this water to be bubbling away when you add the pasta.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, juice and zest of the lemon, oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. This will be the creamy sauce that brings everything together.
3. Slice each chicken breast into two thin cutlets along the long side. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides of the cutlets with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around eight to nine minutes. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
5. In a large wide pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for three to four minutes on each side, aiming for a golden brown color. The cooking time should be about eight to ten minutes total until cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and let the chicken rest.
7. Lower the heat to medium-low in the same pot and add the spinach. Sauté for two to three minutes until just wilted. You want the greens to retain some of their vibrant color.
8. Stir in the creamy ricotta mixture along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water into the wilting spinach. Increase the heat back to medium and cook for one to two minutes until a smooth sauce forms. If it thickens too much, add more pasta water as needed.
9. Finally, add the drained pasta into the cheese and spinach mixture. Toss gently with tongs to ensure every strand is coated in that luscious sauce. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and additional wedges of lemon for squeezing. Enjoy your deliciously creamy creation!

Variations to Try

One of the great things about cooking is the ability to personalize recipes. Here are some fun variations to consider for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta.

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Swap the Protein: Consider using shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella or feta cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can provide new flavor dimensions.
• Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta or omit some of the cheese.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Change Pasta Shape: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to try penne or fusilli for a fun twist.

Accompaniments for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, the right accompaniments can enhance your meal. Here’s how you can make this dish even more enjoyable:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairings: A crisp, cold white wine can be a delightful complement.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted vegetables will add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate each bite.
• Occasions: This dish is excellent for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even a cozy date night.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

FAQ

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors that brings joy and comfort to any dining table. From its creamy sauce to the bright notes of lemon, this dish stands out as an easy favorite. I encourage you to give it a try – it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Craving something creamy and zesty? Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is your answer! This easy weeknight dinner features tender chicken, rich cheese, and a hint of lemon that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts boneless, skinless, usually about two large chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese I used whole milk ricotta
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• ½ teaspoon pepper divided
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 3 cups Spinach You need about 4 ounces fresh spinach. Chop the spinach to avoid having it clump in the dish.

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Set a large pot on the stove filled with water and salted to begin boiling for the spaghetti.
2. In a small bowl mix together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoons pepper.
3. Slice each chicken breast into two thin cutlets the long way along the chicken so you have two wide but thin pieces. Season both sides of the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
4. Add pasta to the now boiling water and cook according to the package (usually 8-9 minutes.) Once it has finished cooking, set aside one cup pasta water. Drain and set aside the pasta.
5. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large wide pot and allow the oil to warm on medium-high heat. Add one clove of diced garlic to the oil and saute for about thirty seconds.
6. Add the chicken and cook 3-4 minutes on each side until you have a nice golden brown color. The chicken should take about 8-10 minutes total to cook through. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest.
7. Turn the heat down on the pot to medium low and add the spinach. Cook the spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
8. Add ricotta mixture and ½ cup of pasta water to the wilted spinach. Turn the heat up to medium. Stir in the cheese mixture and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until a smooth sauce forms. If your sauce becomes too thick from cooking too long, add a little more pasta water to thin it out.
9. Add the cooked pasta to cheese and spinach mixture, and toss with tongs to coat it evenly in the sauce. Slice the chicken into thin slices and add on top. Serve immediately with more parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or basil, and extra wedges of lemon to squeeze over the pasta. Enjoy!

Notes

• Lemon size can vary: For this recipe you need a larger lemon to have the flavor come through. You need about 1 tablespoon of zest and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of juice total.
• Adjust pasta sauce consistency: If at any point the pasta sauce becomes too thick add some pasta water a little bit at a time. If your pasta sauce is too thin, try adding a little more parmesan cheese.
• Chop the spinach: Giving the spinach a good rough chop helps keep it from forming big clumps in the final dish and will help the sauce distribute more evenly.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.