Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience - this Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is your culinary ticket to flavor paradise! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and tender chicken, this Italian-inspired recipe will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this quick and delicious meal promises to be your new go-to recipe that looks impressive but comes together in less than 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Then slice chicken into thin strips against the grain.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to pick up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with lemon sauce. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add to the pasta, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
- Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never discard all pasta water - it's liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces that coat every noodle perfectly.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil leaves if possible, as they provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Zesting Technique: When zesting the lemon, only remove the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Cheese Tip: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most intense flavor - pre-grated cheese lacks the same depth and richness.
- Resting Chicken: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 56mg
