Simple Homemade Creamy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta
Ready to whip up a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor? This creamy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is a zesty, herby delight that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to make! With tender chicken, fresh basil, and a luscious lemon-kissed sauce, dinner just got a whole lot more delicious!
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Ingredients
- •12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •3 cloves garlic (minced)
- •1 cup heavy cream
- •1/2 cup chicken broth
- •1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon lemon zest
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- •1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- •Salt and pepper to taste
- •Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Season the chicken slices with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 4
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 5
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- 7
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well.
- 8
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 9
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- 10
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the chopped basil leaves. Toss everything together until combined.
- 11
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- 12
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- 13
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges for squeezing, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
600 calories
Protein
35g
Carbs
60g
Fat
28g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine?
A: Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Keep in mind that thinner or smaller pasta shapes may absorb the sauce differently, so adjust the amount of reserved pasta water accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and a tablespoon of butter for a similar creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use evaporated milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and thick.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, unsweetened almond milk, or oat cream. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
A: Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh basil is unavailable. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried basil, as it is more concentrated in flavor. Add it to the sauce earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to infuse properly.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick, and how can I fix it?
A: The sauce may thicken as it cools or if the pasta absorbs too much liquid. To fix this, add a little of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or even a splash of milk to loosen the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or peas pair well with this recipe. Add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked, or stir them in with the pasta and sauce. Adjust cooking times based on the vegetable you choose to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
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