Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic tossed in a creamy, plant-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect blend of fresh brightness and rich creaminess, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Adaptable and satisfying, it combines protein, starch, and a luscious sauce for a complete meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and juicy
Flavors & Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Dairy & Creaminess
- 1 cup plant-based cream (plant-based)
Pasta & Pantry
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest, then slice into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir gently and let the mixture simmer and reduce for a few minutes.
- Add Creaminess and Combine: Reduce heat to low and stir in the plant-based cream. Gently whisk in the natural gelling agent, if using, to thicken the sauce smoothly. Add lemon zest for a burst of citrus aroma. Fold in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing everything together until well coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for the brightest flavor.
- Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F for optimal tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the noodles.
- Simmer sauce gently when adding cream and gelling agent to avoid curdling.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley at the end to keep their flavor vibrant.
- Gluten-free pasta works well; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cream pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner
