Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken breast with lemon pepper seasoning served atop pasta in a light, flavorful sauce with Parmesan and green onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
03 - 2-3 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
04 - Salt, to taste

→ Pasta

05 - 8 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
06 - 3 tbsp reserved pasta cooking water

→ Dairy

07 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 2 tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables

09 - 2 leeks (white parts only), sliced
10 - 1 tbsp green onion, diced

→ Liquids

11 - ½ cup chicken stock
12 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 - Vegetable oil for cooking

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of pasta water. Set pasta and water aside.
02 - Trim leeks by removing dark green leaves and root ends. Wash thoroughly, slice lengthwise then thinly slice into half moons. Set aside.
03 - Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally for uniform thickness. Generously season both sides with 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
05 - In the same pan, melt butter and add sliced leeks. Sauté until golden and tender, stirring frequently. Season lightly with salt.
06 - Add reserved pasta water, chicken stock, and lemon juice to the leeks. Stir well, then incorporate 2-3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning. Adjust salt to taste.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes to meld flavors, stirring frequently.
08 - Slice chicken and either mix it into the pasta or arrange on top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and diced green onions. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Reserve pasta water when draining to enhance sauce texture and flavor.
02 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and melting.
03 - Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
04 - Optionally substitute chicken thighs; adjust cooking time accordingly.
05 - Gluten-free pasta is recommended to maintain gluten-free status.

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