| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 371 | 12g | 3g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 38g | 0.8g |
Stepping into my kitchen to cook a dish as delightful as the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta always brings a warm sense of joy to my heart. Born and raised amidst Creole richness and French elegance, I draw inspiration from my heritage while designing recipes. This dish, in particular, is a vibrant medley of robust flavors and fresh ingredients. Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is much more than a taste adventure, it is a culinary expression of my love for food.
A Symphony of Fresh Ingredients
The essence of the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta lies in the beautiful amalgamation of fresh lemons, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes. These ingredients don’t merely offer taste, but a host of health benefits as well. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C that boost immunity, while basil leaves are renowned for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The cherry tomatoes add a splash of color to this delightful pasta dish, complementing the other ingredients while offering their own distinct sweet yet tart flavor.
The inclusion of olive oil is another healthy touch to this dish. Known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil enhances the robust flavors of the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Comparable to Other Delectable Cuisine
The Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta dish strikes me as being reminiscent of other lemon-infused pasta recipes like Lemon Spaghetti or Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. It would work incredibly well as a part of a Mediterranean spread with dishes like Greek Salad or a warm loaf of Ciabatta bread from Italian Food Forever.
Furthermore, you could even pair this pasta with a light, citrusy white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. Advice on pairing wines with pasta can be found at WineFolly.
In conclusion, the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a culinary journey that takes me back to my roots while giving me the freedom to express my love for fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that’s delightfully light and flavorful with layers of rich & intriguing flavors. It’s a celebration of delicious food and healthy living.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 3 medium lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s thoroughly cooked and golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant, which should take only about a minute. Add the chicken broth, stirring it around to get all the tasty bits off the bottom of the pan.
Step Three
While the garlic is cooking, zest and juice your lemons. You’ll want two of the lemons zested and all three juiced. Add these to the pan along with the 1/2 cup of basil leaves, torn into pieces.
Step Four
Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Let it simmer together for another 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs all of the amazing flavors.
Step Five
While your chicken is simmering, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
Step Six
Cut your chicken into slices and combine it with the pasta, making sure to pour any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Add in the cherry tomatoes and toss everything to combine.
Step Seven
To finish, just sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and serve. Enjoy your Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta!
