Family Favorite Lemon Chicken Spaghetti

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, Family Favorite Lemon Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Tender spaghetti is coated in a luscious lemon cream sauce infused with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect balance of zesty and savory. Juicy, golden-browned chicken slices elevate this dish, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes add a touch of elegance and spice. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Serve it with extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish, and watch it become a go-to favorite in your household!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti
• 1 lb Chicken breast
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Lemon zest
• 0.25 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest, then slice it thinly.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, or until fragrant (do not let it burn).

Step 5

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.

Step 7

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it gently in the lemon cream sauce to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the sliced chicken and let it warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 10

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1329.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2190.1

Total Fat 113.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 550.1mg	0%
Sodium 5132.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 117.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 5.5g
Protein 167.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 617.0mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1868.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 21.8%