Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, comforting, yet surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy lemon chicken ravioli recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of homemade comfort and restaurant-quality taste, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is surprisingly quick to prepare, proving that healthy meals and quick dinner ideas can coexist beautifully.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Ravioli:
- 1 lb cheese ravioli (your favorite kind!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Get started with the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
Assemble the Ravioli Dish:
- While the chicken is simmering, cook the ravioli according to package directions.
- Drain the ravioli and add it to the skillet with the creamy lemon chicken sauce.
- Toss to coat the ravioli evenly.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Ravioli with Chicken:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and lemon zest make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Ravioli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Sun-dried Tomato Ravioli: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Creamy Pesto Ravioli: Substitute pesto for the lemon sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a wholesome, delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s a testament to how homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly satisfying. This dish is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!