Citrus Chicken Pasta Recipe
Description: This Citrus Chicken Pasta recipe was born out of necessity and creativity, perfect for those avoiding dairy and soy. It’s a delightful, light dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per Serving: 529.9 kcal
- Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | chicken breasts |
1 | oranges |
4 | lime |
* | olive oil |
1 bunch | fresh basil |
* | dried basil |
* | grape tomatoes |
* | sea salt |
* | pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Chicken:
- Grill or sauté chicken breasts in olive oil until fully cooked. Set aside.
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Prepare Citrus Mixture:
- In a bowl, squeeze the juice from oranges and limes.
- Add grape tomatoes, fresh basil (chopped), dried basil, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and let it sit while preparing the rest.
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Cook Pasta (Optional):
- If using pasta, cook according to package instructions. Alternatively, skip this step for a pasta-free dish.
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Assemble:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine and Serve:
- Toss the chicken pieces with the citrus mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately, alone or over cooked pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 529.9 kcal
- Fat: 41.1g
- Saturated Fat: 7.7g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 106.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.6g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 32.1g
Tips for Making Citrus Chicken Pasta:
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Chicken Prep: Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly to avoid any rawness. You can check doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s no longer pink.
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Citrus Flavors: The combination of fresh orange and lime juice gives this dish its bright, citrusy flavor. Adjust the amount of citrus to your taste preference for a more or less tangy dish.
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Pasta or No Pasta: This recipe is versatile; you can serve it over pasta for a heartier meal or enjoy it without pasta for a low-carb option. Both ways, it’s delicious!
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Fresh Basil: Using fresh basil enhances the dish with its aromatic and slightly peppery flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, though fresh is recommended for the best taste.
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Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. The sea salt adds a delicate flavor that complements the citrusy notes perfectly.
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Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you’re not avoiding dairy.
Serving Suggestions:
This Citrus Chicken Pasta is a wonderful main dish that pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious citrus sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re following a dairy-free and soy-free diet or simply looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this Citrus Chicken Pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its zesty citrus flavors combined with tender chicken create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also refreshing. Enjoy the brightness of oranges and limes in every bite, and savor the simplicity of a dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe proves that dairy-free and soy-free eating can be both easy and delicious.