Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, quick, and fresh meal combining zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, tender chicken, and creamy plant-based cheese for a delicious and balanced dish perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
Flavorings and Sauces
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the chicken strips seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In the same pan used for chicken, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden but not burnt. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Gradually add plant-based cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the drained pasta and sauce. Add chopped parsley and basil to brighten the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta warm, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Sauté garlic gently over medium heat to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of plant-based cheese to achieve desired creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, easy dinner recipe, creamy lemon pasta
