Quick & Easy One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta

Looking for a quick and easy one-pot dish that is both satisfying and packed with flavor? Look no further than our One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta. This recipe combines tender, cooked chicken with lemony pasta and vegetables in a rich sauce. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family meal.

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people generously. The ingredients are simple to find and easy to prepare. This recipe yields about 8 cups of pasta mixture when served hot, making sure each person gets a hearty portion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing garlic. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, ideally about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent (about 3-5 minutes). This step will help to release the flavors from the garlic and onion.
3. Add chicken: Once the vegetables are cooked, add chicken strips to the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula or spoon so that each piece of chicken is evenly coated in oil and veggies. Cook for about 8 minutes until the chicken becomes opaque and fully cooked through.
4. Pasta: While you let your chicken cook, start boiling water to prepare the pasta. Once the water reaches a rolling boil (about 10-12 minutes), add the elbow macaroni.
5. Mix flavors: After about 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, carefully pour it into the pot with your chicken and vegetables. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, pepper, butter, and half-cup Parmesan cheese. Ensure everything is well mixed to let all ingredients meld together harmoniously.
6. Serve: Once the pasta has cooked until al dente (about 4-5 more minutes), it's ready for serving. Top with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, and you're good to go!

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences; perhaps a little more lemon or less salt could enhance its flavor even further.

For those who love to experiment with flavors, consider adding some capers or olives for a Mediterranean twist, or maybe some cherry tomatoes if you're feeling adventurous!

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving is as follows:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Fat: 34g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 42g (including 10g from fiber)
• Protein: 30g

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Be sure to choose fresh chicken breasts; they will provide the best flavor and texture.
• When cutting the pasta, make sure it's not too wide. If you prefer something different from elbow macaroni, feel free to use spaghetti or penne as well!
• For an extra touch of freshness, add a handful of fresh spinach leaves right at the end when mixing in your sauce.

Conclusion

The One-Pot Chicken Lemon Pasta is more than just a meal; it's a quick fix that allows you to enjoy a delicious and comforting dish without too much hassle. Its vibrant lemony taste, combined with the rich pasta base and tender chicken, makes this recipe a winner every time. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, give this recipe a try! Enjoy your meal!