Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Penne

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Penne ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
• 1 large lemon
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese

How to make Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Penne

1. Cook the 12 oz of penne pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the 1.5 lbs of chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Carefully pour in the 1/2 cup of dry white wine (if using). Increase heat to medium-high and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, letting the wine reduce by half, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the 1 cup of chicken broth, the juice of 1 large lemon, the zest of 1 large lemon, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce.
8. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure the pasta is well coated in the lemon herb sauce.
9. Stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped basil. If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

More recipes you might like

Browse related collections

Cook smarter with Recipe Genius

Generate recipes, build meal plans, and create shopping lists with Recipe Genius.