Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Pasta
Indulge in this exquisite Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Pasta, a delightful blend of tender boneless chicken breasts, angel hair pasta, and a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Inspired by a family favorite recipe from Allrecipes.com, this dish is perfect for special occasions when you want to impress your guests or treat your family to something extraordinary. While it's rich and buttery, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. Let the vibrant lemon and aromatic herbs transport your taste buds straight to Italy with each delicious mouthful.
5
Servings
500
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine
1/4 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons (none)
heavy cream
5 tablespoons (none)
butter
1 cup (chilled)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
angel hair pasta
1/2 lb (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (thin)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
bacon
4 ounces (chopped)
mushrooms
6 ounces (sliced)
artichoke hearts
6 ounces (drained and halved)
capers
2 teaspoons (drained)
fresh parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white wine and fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to bubble gently until it reduces by one-third. Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
2
2. Gradually add the chilled butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and keep warm while you prepare the chicken and pasta.
3
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5
5. Carefully place the floured chicken in the hot skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
6
6. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and sauté until crispy. Add the sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and capers, cooking until the mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.
7
7. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips and return it to the skillet. Pour half of the lemon butter sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture, stirring to combine.
8
8. To serve, place the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl. Mix in the chicken and vegetable mixture, adding the remaining lemon butter sauce as desired. Toss everything until well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
32g
Fat
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Pasta?
It is an exquisite blend of tender boneless chicken breasts, angel hair pasta, and a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and vegetables like mushrooms and artichoke hearts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Angel hair pasta is used in this recipe for its light texture, which pairs perfectly with the lemon butter sauce.
How do I prepare the chicken for this dish?
The boneless skinless chicken breasts should be thin, lightly dredged in a mixture of all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper, and then fried until golden brown.
What is the base of the lemon butter sauce?
The sauce is made by reducing white wine and fresh lemon juice, then adding heavy cream and whisking in chilled butter.
Why is the butter added chilled?
Adding chilled butter one tablespoon at a time while whisking helps create a smooth, emulsified, and rich sauce.
Which vegetables are included in this pasta dish?
This recipe features sliced mushrooms and halved artichoke hearts.
Is bacon used in this recipe?
Yes, 4 ounces of chopped bacon are sautéed until crispy to add a savory depth to the dish.
What are capers and how are they used?
Capers are small pickled flower buds that provide a salty, briny flavor. In this recipe, 2 teaspoons of drained capers are sautéed with the mushrooms and artichokes.
How long does it take to cook the angel hair pasta?
Angel hair pasta usually cooks in boiling salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
Can I substitute the white wine?
While white wine adds a specific acidity, you could potentially substitute with additional lemon juice or chicken broth, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 24g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 32g of fat per serving.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms; button or cremini mushrooms work well.
How is the chicken cut for serving?
After frying the chicken breasts whole, they are cut into bite-sized strips before being returned to the skillet.
What should I use to garnish the final dish?
The pasta is best garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 16 ingredients required to make this Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Pasta.
How do I prevent the chicken from being overcrowded in the pan?
It is recommended to cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns evenly and stays crispy.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for impressing guests or for a family celebration.
Do I need to drain the artichoke hearts?
Yes, the 6 ounces of artichoke hearts should be drained and halved before being added to the skillet.
What size saucepan is needed for the sauce?
A medium saucepan is ideal for reducing the wine and lemon juice mixture.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What type of oil is used for frying?
Two tablespoons of olive oil, combined with 2 tablespoons of butter, are used to fry the chicken.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
While it has Italian influences like pasta and capers, it is described as a family favorite recipe inspired by Allrecipes.com.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl, mix in the chicken and vegetable mixture, and toss with the lemon butter sauce until well coated.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
The mushrooms, artichokes, and capers should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
Can I use heavy cream substitutes?
The recipe specifies heavy cream to achieve the desired thickness and richness in the sauce.
Is the chicken skinless?
Yes, the recipe requires 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.