Creamy Lemon Chicken Penne
This delightful Creamy Lemon Chicken Penne combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich and zesty cream sauce. Inspired by a favorite dish from a local grocery store, I've tailored this recipe to suit my family's preferences. My children particularly enjoy the vibrant flavors and the delightful aroma that fills our kitchen while it cooks. Paired with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread, this dish transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable family feast. Use Kerrygold Garlic & Herb Butter for an added burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon
1 (Cut in half)
Flour
1/4 cup (All-purpose flour)
Seasoning Salt
1 1/4 - 1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Chicken Breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Thinly sliced cutlets, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Garlic Butter
1/4 cup (Use Kerrygold Garlic & Herb Butter for best results)
Penne Pasta
8 ounces (Mini penne or regular penne, cooked according to package instructions)
Chicken Base
2 teaspoons (Can use Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base)
White Wine
3/4 cup (Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
Whipping Cream
1/2 cup (Heavy cream)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the lemon in half, setting one half aside for squeezing later. If using bottled lemon juice, measure out 2 tablespoons and set it aside.
2
In a large saucepan, fill it halfway with water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3
In a zip-top bag, combine the flour and seasoning salt. Shake to mix well. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bag. Seal the bag and shake well to fully coat the chicken with the flour mixture.
4
Melt the garlic butter in the preheated sauté pan. Once melted, add the coated chicken pieces. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining.
5
While the chicken is cooking, add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, about 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente.
6
After the chicken is cooked, stir in the chicken base and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Squeeze the juice from the reserved lemon half over the chicken, and then stir in the white wine and whipping cream. Lower the heat and let simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
7
Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to the chicken mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken Penne!
9
Note: You can also substitute rice for pasta for a different twist.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Chicken Penne?
It is a flavorful dish that combines tender seasoned chicken with penne pasta in a rich, zesty cream sauce.
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Use 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts, specifically thinly sliced cutlets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?
Yes, if using bottled juice, measure out 2 tablespoons to replace half a fresh lemon.
What type of butter is recommended for the best flavor?
Kerrygold Garlic & Herb Butter is recommended for an added burst of flavor.
How do I prepare the chicken coating?
Combine 1/4 cup of flour and 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt in a zip-top bag and shake well.
What is the best way to coat the chicken pieces?
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag with the flour mixture, seal it, and shake until fully coated.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
You can use 8 ounces of either mini penne or regular penne pasta.
How long should I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes until it is al dente.
What is chicken base and which brand is suggested?
Chicken base is a concentrated stock; the recipe suggests using Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base.
What kind of white wine should I use in the sauce?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, is recommended for this recipe.
How much whipping cream is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
Can I substitute the pasta with another grain?
Yes, you can substitute rice for the penne pasta for a different twist on the meal.
What temperature should I cook the chicken at?
Brown the chicken over medium heat after preheating the pan on medium-high.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is browned on the outside and there is no pink remaining on the inside.
When do I add the lemon juice to the recipe?
Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken after it has browned and the chicken base has been stirred in.
What sides go well with Creamy Lemon Chicken Penne?
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread.
How much seasoning salt should I add?
Use between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, adjusted to your personal taste.
Do I need to preheat the sauté pan?
Yes, preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the butter.
Should the pasta be added to the sauce or served separately?
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the chicken and sauce mixture, tossing to combine.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as an easy and quick meal for busy families.
What is the preparation for the lemon?
Slice the lemon in half; one half is used for juice while the other can be set aside.
How much garlic butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of garlic butter.
What is the total amount of white wine needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of dry white wine.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific store?
Yes, it was inspired by a favorite dish from a local grocery store.
How much flour is used for the chicken?
Use 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for the chicken coating.
Can I use regular butter if I don't have garlic butter?
While garlic butter is recommended for flavor, you could use regular butter and add minced garlic.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, creamy, and slightly thickened from the simmering of cream and wine.
Can I use more chicken if I have a larger family?
Yes, but you may need to increase the sauce ingredients proportionally to ensure the pasta is well-coated.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian-style pasta dish.