Lemon Courgette & Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lemon juice (Juice of 1 lemon)
• 0.5 lemon zest (Zest of ½ lemon)
• 2 tbsp Italian herbs (Divided; 1 tbsp for the chicken and 1 tbsp for the courgettes)
• 1 onion (Finely chopped)
• 1 tsp olive oil (For sautéing)
• 3 garlic (Cloves, minced)
• 2 courgettes (Sliced)
• 150 g lighter soft cheese
• 600 g chicken thighs (Diced)
• fresh parsley (A handful, chopped)
• 150 g penne pasta (Uncooked)
• salt and pepper (To taste; the author used a Cornish Sea Salt herb seasoning blend)
• Parmesan (Fresh, for finishing; amount not specified)
• olive oil (A drizzle for finishing; amount not specified)
• pasta water (A splash to loosen the soft cheese, plus more if desired; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Add the 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, or the author's herb seasoning blend. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.

2. 2

   Add the diced chicken thighs and 1 tablespoon of the Italian herbs. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring as needed, until browned and fully cooked through.

3. 3

   Add the sliced courgettes and the remaining 1 tablespoon Italian herbs. Cook until the courgettes have softened.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining.

5. 5

   Make a well in the centre of the chicken and courgette mixture. Add the lighter soft cheese to the well, followed by a splash of reserved pasta water, and loosen the cheese.

6. 6

   Add the cooked penne, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the pan. Season with additional salt and pepper, adding a little more pasta water if you want a creamier consistency.

7. 7

   Mix everything together until the pasta is silky and evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

8. 8

   Finish with fresh Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional lemon if desired, then serve.

Notes

The source states 476 calories and 39 g protein per serving, but does not specify quantities for the finishing Parmesan, finishing olive oil, pasta water, or the handful of parsley. The stated nutrition may depend on specific lighter soft cheese, chicken preparation, and seasoning products.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• Italian-inspired
• summer
• creamy
• high-protein
• chicken
• quick dinner