Perfectly Balanced One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta

Searching for a satisfying one-pot meal that combines the tangy flavor of chicken and the creamy texture of lemon pasta? This recipe is perfect for you! With its easy-to-follow steps and delightful balance of flavors, this dish is a hit at home. Let's dive into how to prepare this delicious one-pot chicken lemon pasta.

Cooking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb (approximately 450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium-sized carrots, sliced diagonally
1 onion, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (approx. 226g) whole wheat penne pasta
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the carrots diagonally if they are large, and dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince garlic for a smoother texture when added during stir-frying.

Step 2: Stir-Fry Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. This should take around 5 minutes. During this time, season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Garlic

Once the chicken has cooked to your liking, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for an additional two minutes until the onions begin to soften slightly. At this point, pour in half of the chicken broth and stir well.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Transfer everything onto a large pot with enough space for stirring easily, if necessary, as it will get quite full after adding pasta. Next, add whole wheat penne pasta to the skillet along with another half-cup of chicken broth and remaining lemon juice. Stir gently but thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Bring everything up to a boil before reducing heat down to low-medium setting. Cover partially, allowing the pasta to simmer until it reaches al dente stage - about ten minutes for whole wheat penne which tends to take longer than traditional pasta shapes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste your dish; adjust seasoning according to personal preference with more lemon juice, salt, pepper, or even oregano. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for extra freshness before serving.

Serve hot either directly from the pot at the table or portioned out onto individual plates. Enjoy this comforting yet zesty meal!

Benefits of Using Whole Wheat Penne:

Rich in fiber, aiding digestive health.

- Contains more nutrients compared to refined flour alternatives like regular pasta.

Makes for a healthier choice without sacrificing taste or texture significantly.

Tips for Success:

Patience is Key: Ensuring your chicken reaches the desired color and internal temperature can sometimes require more time than expected. Avoid rushing this process to prevent undercooked meat which may be less safe or tastier.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables instead of canned ones where applicable as they retain their vibrant flavors throughout cooking much better.
Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste before adding extra lemon juice; overdoing it might overpower the other components and destroy balance.

p>This simple yet impressive dish promises to bring joy not just through its delightful taste but also because of how conveniently it can be prepared. Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken lemon pasta offers a satisfying meal that won't break your day apart but rather enhance it!