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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dish!)

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick, satisfying dish bursting with zesty flavor!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Creamy, Easy, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts usually about two large breasts
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk for a richer flavor
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large lemon freshly squeezed juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper divided for seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 3 cups spinach about 4 ounces, chopped

Instructions

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the chopped spinach and sliced chicken, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  • Plate the creamy lemon chicken pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish warm, and watch it disappear from your table!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon based on your preference for acidity.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme for added flavor.
  • If you love spice, consider adding red pepper flakes for a kick!