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–+ servings
lemon basil pasta

Fantastic Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe with Chicken

This creamy lemon basil chicken pasta is one of those dinners that feels fancy but comes together with simple pantry spices and one pan!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Spice Rub
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick paprika
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick basil
Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon McCormick paprika
  • ½ teaspoon McCormick basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 16 oz ditalini pasta

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken. In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and basil. Generously coat the chicken on both sides so the spices form a flavorful rub. (WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW)
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides and fully cooked through.
  4. If the outside is browning too quickly before the chicken cooks through, transfer it to a 375°F oven for about 10–15 minutes while you make the sauce.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Stir and let the garlic become fragrant while scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Season the sauce with paprika and basil.
  8. Add the cooked ditalini pasta directly into the sauce and toss until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Remove the pan from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan and lemon juice for that bright, creamy finish.
  11. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
  12. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired. (WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW)

Notes

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