Description
Zesty lemon meets savory Parmesan in this effortless one-pan pasta masterpiece from Italy. Creamy cheese and tangy citrus dance together, creating a quick weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, pounded to an even ¼ inch (0.64 cm) thick
Seasoning and Cooking Fat:
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta and Sauce Components:
- ½ pound (227 grams) angel hair pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup half and half, room temperature
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken breasts with seasoning on both surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil (30 milliliters / ) in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan.
- Allow chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Gently flip chicken once, pour 80 milliliters chicken stock into the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 5 additional minutes.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
- In the same skillet, melt butter (30 grams / ) over medium heat.
- Add finely minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until aromatic, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Pour 180 milliliters white wine into the skillet, allowing it to reduce for 2 minutes.
- Add 180 milliliters chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, then gradually incorporate half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Introduce pasta into the liquid, breaking into smaller pieces if needed, and simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring consistently.
- Reduce heat to low, continuing to cook until pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, reserving a portion for garnishing, which will naturally thicken the sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes over the dish.
- Toss ingredients thoroughly and plate with sliced chicken, topping with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Break pasta noodles in half to ensure even cooking and easier handling in the skillet.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Create a silky sauce by gradually adding Parmesan cheese and stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
- Simmer pasta gently to achieve perfect al dente texture, avoiding overcooking which can make noodles mushy.
- Keep chicken warm by tenting with foil, allowing it to rest and retain its juicy tenderness while preparing the sauce.
- Adjust heat carefully when reducing wine and stock to concentrate flavors without burning the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg