Zesty Baked Lemon-Basil Pasta 🍋🍝

This delightful dish combines the fresh flavors of lemon and basil with tender pasta, making it an irresistible choice for dinner. The creamy sauce and baked cheeses create a comfort food experience that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Pair this dish with a side salad for a refreshing meal!

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 3 cups bow tie pasta
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup torn fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 10 minutes) until al dente. Drain well.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken pieces with lemon pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Cook the chicken until it's no longer pink in the center, then remove and place in a casserole dish.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add white wine (if using), sour cream, basil, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

4. Combine: Stir the drained pasta into the sauce mixture. Spoon this creamy pasta over the chicken in the casserole dish.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, and fresh spinach, and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success

🍽️ To maximize flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for about 30 minutes before cooking. 🧄 You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option!
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Herbed Bliss: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano instead of basil to create various flavor profiles.
• Creamier Version: For an extra creamy texture, add a bit of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

Enjoy this hearty and zesty pasta dish that is sure to please everyone at your table! 🍽️