Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon and spicy heat? Look no further than this One Pan Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering Italian meal that will impress your family and friends without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Imagine savoring tender chicken and al dente pasta, all infused with a burst of citrus and a kick of red pepper flakes. This recipe is not just a dinner; it’s an experience you won't want to miss! Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and discover how to create this delectable dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Dice the chicken into bite-sized, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. Keep the pan with remaining oil and chicken drippings for added flavor.
- In the same pan, add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly covered by liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- When pasta is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine and reheat.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash more chicken broth. If too wet, continue cooking uncovered to reduce liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the chicken and measure out your ingredients in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Pasta Choice: While this recipe works wonderfully with any pasta shape, consider using something like penne or fusilli to capture the sauce better.
- Adjust the Spice: If you're sensitive to heat, start with half the red pepper flakes and adjust to your taste. You can always add more if you like it spicier!
- Broth Matters: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better. You can always add more salt later if needed.
- Resting Time: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, so make sure to serve it hot for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
