Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Delight
Savor the flavors of summer with this delightful Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Delight. This easy-to-make dish combines tender, sautéed chicken breasts and al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a creamy lemon sauce that is both refreshing and satisfying. The zesty notes of lemon zest and the aromatic herbes de Provence elevate this meal, making it perfect for weeknights or a casual gathering with friends and family. Consider substituting linguini or your favorite type of pasta for a personal touch. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor. This dish is sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
366
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking chicken)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (diced into 1-inch cubes)
herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (seasoning during cooking)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (for the sauce)
heavy cream
2 cups (for sauce)
lemon
1 (zest and juice)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional) (for spice)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
3. Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set aside. Carefully pour off any excess oil from the pan.
4
4. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
5. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper, if using. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6
6. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.
7
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Delight warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Delight?
It is a refreshing summer dish combining tender sauteed chicken breasts and penne pasta in a creamy lemon and herb sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for penne pasta, but you can substitute it with linguini or any of your favorite pasta types.
How long does it take to cook the penne pasta?
The penne should be cooked in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What ingredients are needed to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
You should use 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and dice them into 1-inch cubes.
How long do I need to cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
How much heavy cream is used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 2 cups of heavy cream to create a rich and satisfying sauce.
Is there a specific type of chicken broth recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How do I thicken the lemon sauce?
Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of optional cayenne pepper to the sauce for a hint of heat.
When do I add the lemon juice?
The fresh lemon juice is added at the very end when tossing the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce.
What garnish is recommended for this pasta?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is chopped and used as a garnish for added color and flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Delight?
There are 366 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
Each serving contains 22g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dish contains 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as an easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Should I use the lemon zest or just the juice?
The recipe utilizes both the zest (added to the simmering cream) and the juice (added at the end).
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil to cook the chicken.
What should I do with the flavorful bits left in the pan after cooking chicken?
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those bits after pouring in the chicken broth to incorporate them into the sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You should thaw the chicken completely before dicing and sauteing to ensure even cooking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne pasta.
Do I need to drain the pasta?
Yes, once the pasta is al dente, you should drain it and set it aside before combining with the sauce.
What should the temperature be when simmering the cream?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low to prevent the heavy cream from boiling over.
How long do I cook the final mixture once everything is combined?
Cook the combined pasta, chicken, and sauce for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed warm.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add extra salt at the end?
Yes, you should taste the final dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary before serving.