Easy One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta

Description: This EASY ONE- POT CHICKEN LEMON PASTA recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal that's packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying without sacrificing taste.

For this dish, we will combine tender chicken breast pieces, al dente pasta, fresh lemon zest, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in one pot. The result is a creamy yet bright-tasting sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. This meal can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those days when you want to impress your family with a home-cooked dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of small pasta shapes (like penne or fusilli)
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4 people

Preparation Steps:

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
2. In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and garlic cloves. Stir frequently until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
3. Once the pasta has reached the al dente stage, strain it into the same pot as the chicken mixture. This way, you can save on washing dishes while also creating a sauce that emulsifies naturally from the heat of the pan and the steam rising from the pasta water.
4. To make the sauce, add half of the lemon juice, the remaining ingredients including oregano, and stir everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together perfectly.
5. After 5 minutes, taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add more heavy cream at this stage.
6. To finish, sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese over each serving before plating up your meal.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use chicken thighs for extra flavor. The dark meat of the chicken will bring additional richness and moisture to your dish.
• If you want a richer sauce, you can add more cream or even a splash of white wine during cooking time.
• To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with firm tofu that has been pressed for at least 30 minutes. You may also consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting Parmesan cheese in favor of nutritional yeast for umami flavor.

Storage & Reheating:

If you have leftovers, they will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta back on low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. For a more decadent option, top with extra cream or drizzle with olive oil before serving.

This EASY ONE- POT CHICKEN LEMON PASTA is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences by adding different vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers, or even try out alternative protein sources like shrimp or turkey. Don't let its simplicity fool you; this dish packs enough flavor and depth that it becomes a meal you'll want to make again and again.

Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner idea or need something special for an intimate gathering with friends, this recipe checks all the boxes. Its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful taste ensure that it's a hit among both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Try making Easy One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta today and experience the joy of creating a meal that is sure to please everyone at your table!