Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Top with sliced lemon chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook chicken to maintain tenderness.
- Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
