Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Charred Chicken and Herbs
Ingredients
- 1½ poundboneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ouncepasta (linguine, pappardelle, or similar ribbon shape)
- 6 clovegarlic
- 2lemon
- ¼ cupfresh parsley
- ¼ cupfresh basil
- 4 tablespoonolive oil
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Zest 1 lemon and juice 2 lemons.
- 03
Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh basil.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water; set aside.
- 02
While water heats, pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 03
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 04
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the minced garlic; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 05
Add the zest of 1 lemon and juice of 2 lemons to the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- 06
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed to keep the sauce silky and loose.
- 07
Remove from heat, fold in parsley and basil, and taste for salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and serve at once.
Spice Tips
For more punch, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A grating of fresh Parmesan or a scatter of toasted pine nuts adds richness without overpowering the bright lemon finish.
Substitute any short ribbon pasta—fettuccine or pappardelle work beautifully. Gluten-free pasta cooks the same way. Leftovers keep for 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently with a splash of water or lemon juice to restore the sauce.