Creamy Citrus Pasta Dish (Printable Format)

Tender chicken and pasta in a creamy lemon sauce with fresh herbs. This bright, zesty dish is ready in just 30 minutes.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work great)
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

→ Sauce Base

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water - you might need it later!
02 - While the pasta cooks, slice your chicken into thin pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet (all those tasty bits!), add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer.
04 - Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly - this takes about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
05 - Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in that creamy lemony goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
06 - Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while it's hot and creamy. Pass extra Parmesan at the table because why not!

# Important Tips:

01 - Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in this dish - bottled lemon juice just doesn't compare.
02 - Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes much better than the pre-grated stuff.
03 - This pasta is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is still creamy and hot.
04 - Save some pasta water before draining - the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.

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