Healthy Garlic Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
A flavorful and healthy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a zesty lemon garlic sauce, and your favorite pasta. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 large lemon (Zest and juice of)
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 0.5 cup fresh spinach or arugula (optional, for extra greens)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into thin strips.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, add red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Pour in chicken broth and simmer.
- Add pasta to sauce, toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed. Add chicken and spinach/arugula if using.
- Season to taste, stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 250mg