Quick & Easy One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta

One-pot meals have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency and ease of preparation. This quick and easy one-pot chicken lemon pasta is not only delicious but also a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a delightful taste experience that everyone in the family will love.

This dish can be prepared within 30 minutes and serves four people comfortably. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing meal!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz dried fettuccine pasta
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. This will set up your base for the sauce and enhance the flavor of the dish.

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes or until it is slightly firm to bite. Drain well, saving about a cup of pasta water.

4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and no longer pink inside when pierced with a meat thermometer or knife.

5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside to cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

6. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add lemon zest, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the heavy cream. Stir until the mixture thickens and coats the pasta. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet along with lemon juice. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine flavors.

8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow all components to meld nicely and heat through evenly.

9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor or an added protein boost, you can include cooked shrimp or chicken sausage along with the main ingredients.

If you prefer less cream, you can use half-and-half instead to make the dish slightly lighter without sacrificing too much of the rich taste. You could also add some spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutritious and colorful addition.

Conclusion

The quick & easy one-pot chicken lemon pasta is a delightful, comforting meal that can be enjoyed by all members of your family. Its versatility allows you to mix and match ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs while still delivering delicious results every time. Try this recipe at home tonight and see for yourself how satisfying it can be!