Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta: A Fresh & Flavorful Recipe for Any Occasion

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta combines the perfect balance of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. The bright, citrusy lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and the Parmesan cheese, while the fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note that brings everything together. The chicken breast provides a lean, protein-packed addition, making this dish hearty and satisfying.

Not only is it a flavor explosion, but this dish is also easy to prepare. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve guests. The beauty of Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity—yet the combination of ingredients elevates it to something extraordinary.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create the perfect Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne pasta (you can use any pasta, but penne holds the sauce beautifully)

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Basil Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 3-4 lemons (about ½ cup)
• ½ cup half-and-half
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

Now, let’s break down how to make this wonderful dish from start to finish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

The first step in making Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is cooking the penne pasta. You’ll need a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and then add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically around 10 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked and golden brown.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips to add later to the pasta.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Basil Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. The garlic should become aromatic, but be careful not to burn it. Now, pour in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits left in the skillet from the chicken—these bits add a lot of flavor.

After the lemon juice, add the half-and-half and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer. Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing the pasta in the sauce to ensure it’s coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

To finish, stir in the sliced chicken, freshly chopped basil, and the lemon zest. Mix well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For an added touch, top the pasta with more grated Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves.

Serve this vibrant, aromatic dish hot and enjoy!

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta: A Meal for Every Occasion

What makes Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta so appealing is its versatility. Whether you’re making a family dinner, preparing a romantic date night meal, or serving it at a dinner party, this dish fits perfectly into any occasion. The fresh basil, bright lemon juice, and creamy sauce give the pasta a sophisticated flavor profile, while the chicken breasts make it filling and nutritious.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Yes! While penne is great for this dish, you can easily substitute it with any other pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Simply store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them together in a skillet, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

3. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

4. Is There a Substitute for Half-and-Half?

If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use a combination of equal parts milk and cream. Alternatively, whole milk can work if you prefer a lighter version of the sauce.

5. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to make this dish a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is a wonderful dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh basil, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken creates an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making it for your family or impressing guests, this pasta recipe will surely be a hit. Try it today, and you’ll be enjoying a plate of this tasty dish in no time!

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