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Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Chicken u0026amp; Arugula

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • For the Chicken
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Creamy Lemon Basil Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • Additional lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor
  • Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving pasta water.
  • Season the sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
  • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add lemon zest and lemon juice, adjusting to your taste preference.
  • Stir in chopped basil and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the arugula and stir until slightly wilted.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the pasta and toss everything together.
  • Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional lemon.
  • Serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.