Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight. This dish features tender chicken pieces tossed with delicate angel hair pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. The hint of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, while the sautéed vegetables add a delightful texture and flavor. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a gathering, this one-dish meal will surely satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
6
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel hair pasta
16 ounces (dry)
chicken breasts
1 1/4 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
carrot
1 large (diced (or 1/2 cup baby carrots))
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
celery
1 rib (diced)
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
heavy whipping cream
2 cups (full fat)
bacon
5 slices (cooked and crumbled (optional))
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (shredded (optional, for garnish))
Instructions
1
Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the skillet until golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced carrots and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped onion, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, crumbled bacon (if using), lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.
5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the drained pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
20g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, angel hair pasta, and a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with sautéed vegetables.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of dry angel hair pasta cooked until al dente.
How should the chicken be prepared?
You should use 1 1/4 lbs of chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long do I cook the chicken?
Sauté the chicken cubes in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and no longer pink in the center.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes diced carrots, chopped onion, diced celery, and minced garlic.
Is the bacon mandatory for this pasta?
No, the 5 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon are optional but add a nice flavor.
What type of cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of full-fat heavy whipping cream.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Bring the cream mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly until it slightly thickens.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 14g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 3 large minced garlic cloves.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is best served garnished with 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the carrots?
You can use one large diced carrot or 1/2 cup of baby carrots.
How much olive oil is needed?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between cooking the chicken and the vegetables.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While angel hair is recommended for its delicate texture, you can substitute other pasta shapes if necessary.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and an easy dinner option.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the carrots for 1 minute first, then add the onion, celery, and garlic for another 3-4 minutes.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe uses 15 different ingredients.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal and is suitable for weeknight dinners.
What cooking method is used for the chicken?
The chicken is sautéed in a large skillet over medium heat.
When do I add the cooked pasta to the sauce?
Gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet after the chicken has been returned to the thickened sauce.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Italian cuisine.
Should the pasta be cooked fully?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package directions before being added to the sauce.