Giada's Chicken in Lemon Cream and Penne

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Giada's Chicken in Lemon Cream and Penne, a one-pan wonder that combines tender, golden-seared chicken, perfectly al dente penne pasta, and a lusciously creamy lemon-garlic sauce. This elegant yet approachable dish captures the essence of Italian comfort food with its zesty burst of freshly grated lemon zest, rich Parmesan cheese, and velvety cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, the recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and delivers a restaurant-quality meal right to your table. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness, and watch it become a family favorite. Whether you're craving citrusy brightness or a satisfying creamy pasta, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 8

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1755.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4262.2

Total Fat 208.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1019.8mg	0%
Sodium 5329.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 261.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.2g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 308.0g	0%

Vitamin D 90.5IU	0%
Calcium 1439.3mg	0%
Iron 19.9mg	0%
Potassium 2887.9mg	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: 45.2%

Protein: 29.7%

Carbs: 25.2%