Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight, a nourishing dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, multigrain penne, and a zesty lemon broth. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this recipe combines fresh shallots, garlic, and capers, creating a delightful taste experience that's both healthy and satisfying. With a touch of Italian parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Share this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens and savor a burst of citrus in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried multigrain penne
2 cups (cooked according to package directions)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces (cut into 1-inch pieces)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for coating chicken)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking chicken and sautéing)
Finely chopped shallot
1/3 cup (fresh)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Chicken broth
3/4 cup (low-sodium recommended)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Capers
3 tablespoons (drained)
Italian parsley
3 tablespoons (snipped, flat-leaf)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated, optional)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the multigrain penne according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the saucepan. Cover to keep warm.
2
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with all-purpose flour, tossing until the chicken is evenly coated.
3
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4
4. Reduce the skillet's heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic for 1 minute, or until they become tender and fragrant.
5
5. Carefully add the chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced to about 2/3 cup.
6
6. Stir in the cooked chicken, capers, and fresh Italian parsley, allowing to heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
7
7. Combine the pasta with the chicken mixture in the saucepan, tossing to ensure everything is well mixed and coated. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight?
Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Delight is a nourishing dish featuring tender chicken, multigrain penne, and a zesty lemon broth base.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of dried multigrain penne.
How is the chicken prepared for cooking?
The chicken breasts are cut into 1-inch pieces and tossed with all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken in a skillet for 6 to 8 minutes until it is no longer pink in the center.
What aromatics are sautéed for the sauce?
Finely chopped shallots and minced garlic are sautéed in olive oil until tender and fragrant.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chicken broth, with low-sodium recommended.
How much lemon juice is needed for the zest?
You should use 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
To what extent should the liquid mixture be reduced?
The chicken broth and lemon juice mixture should be simmered until reduced to approximately 2/3 cup.
When do I add the capers and parsley?
Stir in the capers and snipped Italian parsley along with the cooked chicken once the sauce has reduced.
Is there a recommended cheese for this dish?
Yes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is suggested as an optional garnish.
How much olive oil do I need in total?
You will need a total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil, used in two separate steps.
What kind of parsley should be used?
Fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley is the recommended variety for this recipe.
How do I ensure the pasta stays warm?
After draining the pasta, return it to the saucepan and cover it to keep it warm while preparing the chicken.
Can I use regular penne?
While the recipe calls for multigrain penne, you can substitute regular penne if preferred.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cook the multigrain penne according to the package instructions.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much shallot is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of finely chopped shallot.
Should the capers be drained?
Yes, the 3 tablespoons of capers should be drained before adding them to the skillet.
Is this dish considered high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high-protein meal due to the inclusion of chicken breasts.
Can this be served for lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect option for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
How do I finish the dish?
Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture in the saucepan to ensure even coating before serving.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken is tender and bite-sized after being sautéed in olive oil.
What gives the dish its zesty flavor?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, shallots, garlic, and capers provides the zesty flavor profile.
What is the recommended amount of chicken?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Is the flour for coating only?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to toss and coat the chicken pieces.
How long do I sauté the shallots and garlic?
Sauté the shallots and garlic for about 1 minute until they are fragrant.
Is the sauce thick or thin?
It is a light lemon broth that is reduced slightly, making it thinner than a traditional cream sauce.
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 source of this recipe?
This recipe is shared from Better Homes and Gardens.