Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta. Tender, cubed chicken breasts are coated in a light, flavorful mixture of flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder before being pan-seared to golden perfection. Simmered in a luscious lemon and white wine sauce that is beautifully thickened with starchy pasta water, this dish is not just hearty, but bright and refreshing. Served over delicate angel hair pasta and topped with fresh parsley and lemon slices, it’s an elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. Follow the expert tips from previous reviewers to ensure a perfectly balanced dish every time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/2 cup (for dredging)
Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp, grated (for dredging)
garlic powder
1/2 tsp (for dredging)
chicken breast
1 lb (boneless and skinless, cubed)
butter
4 tbsp (for cooking)
lemon
1 (juice of)
white wine
1/2 cup (for sauce)
hot water
2 cups (to dissolve bouillon cube)
chicken bouillon cube
1 (dissolved in hot water)
angel hair pasta
12 oz (cooked according to package directions)
Parmesan cheese
1/4-1/2 cup (freshly grated for topping)
fresh parsley
to garnish (chopped)
lemon slices
to garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece of cubed chicken in the mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dredged chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
3
Once the chicken is browned, carefully add the lemon juice, white wine, and the hot water with the dissolved chicken bouillon cube to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If desired, use pasta water to help thicken the sauce further.
4
While the sauce simmers, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5
In a large serving bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the chicken and sauce over the pasta and toss gently to combine, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
6
Top the dish with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
7
Serve immediately, savoring every bite of this elegant meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta?
It is an elegant meal featuring tender, cubed chicken breasts coated in flour and Parmesan, pan-seared and served in a bright lemon-wine sauce over angel hair pasta.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken dredging mixture?
The dredging mixture consists of 1/2 cup of flour, 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
You should use 1 lb of boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes, and dredge each piece in the flour and Parmesan mixture.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked in melted butter for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
What liquids are used to make the sauce?
The sauce is created by combining the juice of one lemon, 1/2 cup of white wine, and 2 cups of hot water with a dissolved chicken bouillon cube.
How can I thicken the lemon garlic sauce?
The sauce is thickened by simmering it for 5-10 minutes. You can also use starchy pasta water to help reach your desired consistency.
What is the purpose of the chicken bouillon cube?
The bouillon cube is dissolved in hot water to provide a savory base layer of flavor for the lemon and wine sauce.
How much butter is required for this dish?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter to cook the chicken in the large skillet.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is used in two steps: 4 tablespoons in the initial dredging mixture and another 1/4 to 1/2 cup as a topping for the finished dish.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Once the pasta is drained, place it in a large serving bowl, pour the chicken and sauce over it, and toss gently to ensure even coating.
What garnishes are suggested for this recipe?
The dish is garnished with fresh lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight meal and an easy dinner, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
While the recipe calls for white wine, you can use additional chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
What temperature should I use to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked in a large skillet over medium heat to ensure it browns without burning the butter.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the dredging flour.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count is not specified, it uses 1 lb of chicken and 12 oz of pasta, typically serving 3 to 4 people.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe calls for the juice of one lemon, and fresh juice provides the best zesty flavor.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine flour, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan, and garlic powder in a shallow dish and dredge the cubed chicken.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes until it has thickened to your liking.
What does dredging the chicken achieve?
Dredging creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and helps thicken the sauce as it simmers.
Is angel hair pasta the only option?
While the recipe is designed for angel hair, you could use other thin pastas like capellini or thin spaghetti.
What kind of chicken breast should I buy?
You should use 1 lb of boneless and skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
Is this dish considered Italian?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian dish, featuring classic ingredients like pasta, Parmesan, and garlic.
Can this meal be served for special occasions?
Absolutely, it is described as an elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special celebrations.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a luscious, light mixture of lemon and wine, thickened naturally by the flour on the chicken and the pasta water.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe recommends chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor and presentation.
How much Parmesan is used for the topping?
You should use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to top the dish.
When should I serve the dish?
The recipe recommends serving immediately after tossing the pasta with the chicken and sauce to savor every bite.
What tags describe this recipe's style?
The recipe is tagged as chicken, angel hair pasta, lemon garlic, elegant, easy dinner, italian, weeknight meal, and comfort food.