Description
A refined weeknight dish that marries a silky cream sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta, brightened by lemon and herbs for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or casarecce)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced (or 1/4 small onion)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- Zest and 1 tbsp juice of 1 lemon (fresh)
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden-brown on the edges, about 4–5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add shallot and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until translucent.
- Deglaze the pan with wine or stock, scraping up browned bits to capture flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest, simmering gently until the sauce thickens.
- Add grated Parmesan in batches until fully melted and smooth, adjusting with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan and fold gently to warm through.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated, finish with parsley and thyme, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for better searing. Reserve pasta water to maintain sauce emulsion. Add cheese off heat to avoid graininess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg