Cache & Cook

Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herb Noodles

weeknightquickfreshlight
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1½ poundschicken breast
  • 10 ouncesspaghetti
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 2lemon
  • 1 handfulfresh parsley
  • ½ handfulfresh basil
  • 3 tablespoonsolive oil
  • ½ cupchicken broth
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 4 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Juice 2 lemons.

  3. 03

    Chop 1 handful fresh parsley and 0.5 handful fresh basil.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. 02

    While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 3 minutes, then slice into strips.

  3. 03

    In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and juice from both lemons, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute.

  4. 04

    Return sliced chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

  5. 05

    Divide between bowls and top with fresh parsley and basil before serving.

Spice Tips

Red pepper flakes are already in the recipe, but increase to 1/2 teaspoon for more heat. For earthiness, add a pinch of thyme or oregano. A touch of garlic powder or white pepper in the sauce adds subtle depth.

For a richer sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons cream or crème fraîche in step 4. You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs (increase cook time to 12-14 minutes) for deeper flavor. Fresh dill or mint work beautifully in place of basil.

Want recipes from your fridge? Cache & Cook drafts them free.

Try it free