Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta features tender chicken pieces tossed in a luscious creamy (plant-based) sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and aromatic garlic. This quick and flavorful dish is finished with fresh parsley and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for a perfect weeknight meal that is comforting, versatile, and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (linguine, fettuccine, or penne recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into thin strips.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Liquids: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Pour in lemon juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring to combine.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream (plant-based) and the natural gelling agent if using. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to loosen. Finish by stirring in fresh chopped parsley and adjust salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for optimal bright flavors.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- Cook the sauce gently on low heat to maintain a silky texture.
- Add fresh parsley after removing from heat to preserve its color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken pasta, creamy plant-based sauce, quick chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs pasta