Perfectly Balanced One-Pot Chicken Lemon Garlic Pasta

In a world where fast and healthy meals are in high demand, the One-Pot Chicken Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe comes as a perfect solution to satisfy your taste buds while maintaining a balanced diet. This dish is not only delightful but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

This versatile one-pot meal can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes and serves four people generously. The chicken adds the perfect amount of protein, while garlic and lemon infuse the pasta with a burst of flavor that leaves everyone asking for more. This recipe is designed to be flexible; feel free to add or adjust ingredients based on your personal preferences.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) penne pasta
1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup (about 8 oz) sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups (about 300g) heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option

Preparation Steps

In a large pot, bring about three quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and the penne pasta; cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in a separate skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.
Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl, allowing it to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with any accumulated juices.
Add olive oil to the boiling pasta water; once the pasta is ready, drain but do not rinse as you want the starch on the pasta strands for better binding. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining completely.
Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with thyme and lemon juice. Stir until well combined and heated through (but not boiling).
Combine the warm chicken, garlic butter mixture, and the drained pasta in the pot. Gently fold everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your perfectly balanced One-Pot Chicken Lemon Garlic Pasta!

Tips and Variations

For an added kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture.
To make this meal heartier, consider adding additional vegetables such as broccoli florets or cherry tomatoes during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time for the pasta.
If using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, remember that the dish will be less rich but equally delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The calorie count per serving is approximately 750 calories. This includes 43g of fat, 61g carbohydrates, and 48g protein. The exact values may vary slightly based on the type of cream used and the size of ingredients like chicken.

Conclusion

The One-Pot Chicken Lemon Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of classic Italian flavors that you can prepare quickly and efficiently without sacrificing taste or nutritional value. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe will delight your family and friends alike. Try it out for yourself and enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction it brings.