If you want to spice up the flavor of that usual chicken pasta lemon zest is one of the ingredients to consider. The tangy citrus flavor can transform an everyday pasta dish into a mouth-watering surprise.
Why do so many people think chicken recipes are boring and unimaginative? Most likely it is because they have not yet discovered some of those unique and flavorful ingredients that cooks are beginning to add to poultry and pasta dishes.
Infusing flavors into poultry meat can be done with oranges, grapefruit, pomegranates and lemons. You can marinate the chicken with a combination of fruit and herbal seasonings, or just incorporate these elements at a later step in the cooking process. Pastas are also able to absorb some flavor from carefully chosen ingredients.
With chicken pasta and lemon you can brighten the flavor profile and add a new dimension to a simple family dish. You might be surprised how light and inviting the pasta and chicken will taste once a bit of lemony seasoning is added.
Why not give this easy recipe a try? The combination of chicken, pasta, lemon and other fresh ingredients will become one of your ‘go to’ meals for any occasion.
Lemon Chicken Pasta Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts sliced into long, thin strips
- 1 box of linguini, fettuccini or penne pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – use fresh juice instead of the concentrated variety
- 4 tablespoons of EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)-divided
- 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper- (adjust the amount to suit your palate)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder-optional
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed, dried sage-optional
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper-optional
- 1 lemon with zest removed- use this lemon for your juicing needs
- 1 lemon sliced thinly with seeds removed
- 3 shallots-thinly sliced
Preparation:
Wash and slice the chicken meat. You can use chicken thighs for this recipe if you prefer, but chicken breasts will result in a lighter, lower calorie dish.
Season the chicken with lemon pepper and rub this ingredient into the meat. Add other seasonings from the above list marked ‘optional.’ Use as few, or as many, as you like. Heat 2 tablespoons of EVOO in a medium saucepan and sauté the meat for 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from saucepan and drain on paper towels. Prepare the pasta according to standard directions, and be sure not to overcook. Drain the pasta after cooking and leave in a colander for at least 3-5 minutes.
Add the remaining EVOO to the saucepan and add the crushed garlic and shallots. Gently sauté the garlic and shallots begin to caramelize. The garlic will be very aromatic. Reduce heat to a low setting and then carefully add the chicken and lemon juice to the saucepan.
After the chicken has simmered for 3 minutes you can add the pasta to the pan. You can adjust the heat to a medium setting at this time. Remember to stir the pasta and chicken frequently. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes and you are ready to take this meal to the table.
The lemony aroma of this pasta and chicken dish will delight and surprise your family and guests. Best of all, the leftovers are just as delicious when reheated the next day.
