Ingredients
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken:
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (or 2 smaller breasts)
- Lemon pepper seasoning (for a zesty flavor boost)
- ⅓ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta & Sauce:
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ pound thin spaghetti
For Serving:
- Lemons, sliced for garnish
- Parsley, roughly chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Combine the seasoning ingredients (parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder, salt, and pepper) and set aside. Measure out the chicken broth, half and half, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. This makes the cooking process seamless!
2. Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of garlic powder, then dredge the chicken in this mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Pasta
As the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for thin spaghetti. Be sure not to overcook! Drain the pasta once it’s done and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, pour in the wine and let it simmer over medium heat for about 4 minutes until reduced by half. This process helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth.
Next, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously for another 2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Follow this by gradually pouring in the half and half, ensuring the sauce remains smooth. Add the chicken bouillon cube and seasoning mix, then bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
Once the sauce has thickened, gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce. Finally, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to bring that signature zesty flavor.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces back into the pan and toss to coat everything in the creamy lemon sauce. If desired, taste and adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt or pepper.
Notes
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a professional presentation, garnish the pasta with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also enhance the dish’s fresh flavors. Serve the pasta in wide bowls for an elegant, rustic look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner