- Fresh Lemon Juice (from 1-2 lemons, depending on desired tanginess)
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic Cloves (3-4 cloves, minced or finely chopped)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Red Bell Pepper (optional, for color and crunch; sliced thinly)
- Fresh Parsley (a handful, chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup) for added flavor
Keywords for SEO:
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Lighter Lemon Chicken Dish
- Low-Calorie Pasta Meal
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Steps
### How to Make Lighter Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon and Chicken: A Healthy Recipe
#### Introduction
Angel hair pasta is a delicate, thin type of spaghetti that pairs well with light and flavorful sauces. This recipe combines angel hair pasta with lemon and chicken, creating a delicious yet lighter meal perfect for health-conscious diners. Here are the detailed steps to prepare this dish.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups angel hair pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lemons (juice and zest of one lemon)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
#### Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta cooking
- Skillet or large pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 pound of angel hair pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Lemon Sauce:**
- In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon into the pan along with a small amount of lemon zest (about 1 teaspoon).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce slightly.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Once the pasta is cooked, gently mix it in with the chicken and lemon sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
5. **Final Touches:**
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
#### Tips for a Healthier Meal
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content.
- Opt for reduced-fat or non-fat versions of ingredients if necessary.
- Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for additional nutrients.
- Use lemon juice instead of cream to keep the sauce light.
#### SEO Keywords Integration
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout the text, such as "angel hair pasta," "lemon chicken," and "lighter meal," which can help improve search engine rankings when people look up recipes similar to this one.
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to enjoy a light yet flavorful angel hair pasta with lemon and chicken. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps you healthy!