Homemade Chicken Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Homemade Chicken Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening at home. This dish is packed with flavor, making it suitable for those who love chicken-based dishes. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and the tangy creaminess of lemon makes this recipe a favorite among many families.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 package of fresh fettuccine or any pasta of your choice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare

Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta when done and set aside.

In a separate pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial as it adds flavor to your sauce without burning the garlic which can be bitter.

Once the garlic has cooked, add the chicken pieces into the pan. Stir frequently ensuring all sides of the chicken are coated in the butter and oil mixture. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink inside. Once done, set it aside while you continue to make the sauce.

While the chicken is cooking, combine the heavy cream with lemon zest and juice. Season the cream mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Add the reserved pasta back into the pan along with the chicken pieces and pour in the creamy lemon sauce. Stir gently so as not to break up the pasta too much. Let this mix over low heat until heated through but not boiling, approximately 2-3 minutes. The pasta should be coated evenly with the delicious sauce.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle some parsley on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce!

Nutritional Information

The nutritional value of this dish can vary depending on ingredients used but generally speaking:

• Total Calories: Approximately 700 kcal per serving
• Protein: About 50g
• Fat Content: Around 40g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 60g
• Vitamin C Content from Lemon: Sufficient amount for the day

Tips and Variations

To make this dish even more exciting, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor. You can also add a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Another variation could involve using different types of pasta such as penne or fusilli instead of fettuccine. Additionally, if you prefer a lower fat version, you might opt for low-fat cream and replace some of the butter with olive oil during preparation.

Cultural Significance

This dish has roots in Italian cuisine but is quite versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. It showcases how simple ingredients combined thoughtfully result in an extraordinary meal. Whether you're hosting friends over or just looking for something comforting, this recipe provides a balanced mix of protein, vegetables (via garlic), healthy fats, carbohydrates from pasta, along with essential vitamins especially from the lemon.

By following these steps, anyone can recreate this dish at home easily and impressively. So go ahead, try your hand at making Homemade Chicken Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too!