Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Pasta Delight, a vibrant one-pot meal that's sure to impress family and friends. This savory dish combines tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection with fresh zucchini and juicy grape tomatoes, all enveloped in a tangy and slightly sweet garlic-lime sauce. Finished with whole wheat spaghetti, this dish is not only delicious but also a wholesome way to use up leftover pasta. Enjoy the added depth from a refreshing summer shandy or similar beer, making every bite a fiesta for your taste buds. Serve with a crisp salad for a complete meal that's bursting with flavor and nutrition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
lime
1 (juice of)
chicken breasts
4-6 (whole)
beer
8 ounces (summer shandy or similar)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (for sauce)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (clippings)
lime
2 (juice of)
whole wheat spaghetti
4 cups (cooked)
zucchini
1 (diced)
grape tomatoes
1 cup (optional)
asiago cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2
Squeeze the juice of one lime into the skillet, then place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken on high heat until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3
Once the chicken is browned, carefully pour in 2 tablespoons of the beer. Allow it to simmer on high heat for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors infuse.
4
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. While you do this, let the remaining sauce continue to simmer.
5
Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir well to combine.
7
In another skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and add diced zucchini and a pinch of sea salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until tender.
8
After 3 minutes, add the remaining beer, the juice of 2 limes, and fresh basil to the zucchini. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
9
Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is nicely coated.
10
Serve hot, topped with shredded asiago cheese, and enjoy with a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Pasta Delight.
How many chicken breasts are required?
You will need between 4 to 6 whole chicken breasts.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked whole wheat spaghetti.
What type of beer is recommended for the sauce?
A summer shandy or similar beer is recommended.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
How many limes are needed in total?
A total of three limes are used: the juice of one for searing and the juice of two for the vegetable sauce.
What kind of cheese is used as a topping?
The dish is topped with 1/2 cup of shredded asiago cheese.
Which vegetables are included in this pasta?
The recipe includes one diced zucchini and an optional cup of grape tomatoes.
What ingredients make up the balsamic sauce mixture?
The mixture consists of 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
How long do you sear the chicken breasts?
Sear the chicken on high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
What is the first step in cooking the chicken?
Squeeze the juice of one lime into the skillet and sear the chicken on high heat.
When do you add the beer to the chicken?
Add 2 tablespoons of beer once the chicken is browned and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
How should the chicken be prepared before the final simmer?
Remove it from the skillet, let it cool slightly, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
How long do the chicken pieces cook after being cut?
Cook the chicken pieces for an additional 5 minutes in the sauce.
How is the zucchini prepared?
Diced zucchini is sautéed in olive oil with a pinch of sea salt for about 3 minutes.
What herb is used to season the zucchini sauce?
1/4 cup of fresh basil clippings are added to the zucchini mixture.
Is the spaghetti cooked in the same pan as the chicken?
The spaghetti is pre-cooked and then tossed into the chicken mixture at the end.
What should be served as a side dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh, crisp salad.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant one-pot meal, though it involves using a second skillet for the zucchini.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the garlic and chicken.
How much beer is used in total?
The recipe calls for an 8 ounce bottle or can of beer.
What is the texture of the zucchini supposed to be?
The zucchini should be sautéed until it is tender.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is zesty, tangy, slightly sweet, and savory.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The sauce requires 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use regular spaghetti instead of whole wheat?
Yes, though the recipe specifies whole wheat for a wholesome option.
What is the final step before serving?
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the chicken and sauce, then top with shredded asiago cheese.
Is there a specific season this recipe is suggested for?
It is tagged as a summer recipe, particularly due to the use of summer shandy and fresh basil.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Are grape tomatoes mandatory?
No, the grape tomatoes are listed as an optional ingredient.