Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds flavor depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning).
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir everything together, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Enjoy!
   • Your Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is ready to be devoured! It’s a rich, zesty, and comforting dish with a fresh lemon kick!

This recipe is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special meal. Enjoy!