If you’re craving something that effortlessly blends bright citrus notes with rich, creamy comfort, this Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. The harmony between tender chicken, salty prosciutto, and a luscious lemon-kissed Alfredo sauce is simply irresistible. In just 20 minutes, you can have a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming your palate. From the silky sauce to the crisp prosciutto and zesty lemon, these ingredients combine for a well-rounded dish that’s as balanced as it is delicious.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta: The perfect shape to hold the creamy, zesty sauce in every forkful.
- 2 tsp olive oil: Used twice for sautéing prosciutto and chicken, it adds richness and helps develop beautiful caramelization.
- 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto: Crisps up to add irresistible salty crunch that contrasts the creamy Alfredo.
- 2½ cups cooked chopped chicken: Adds hearty protein making this pasta a satisfying meal.
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning: Brings a subtle herby, savory depth that brightens the chicken.
- 1 tsp minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base note.
- 1 medium lemon (juice and zest): Lemon’s fresh acidity and fragrant zest provide the star citrus punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Creamy and indulgent, this provides the silky texture and rich flavor foundation.
How to Make Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking 8 ounces of bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This texture is key—it provides just enough bite to complement the creamy sauce and tender chicken without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain well and set aside so the pasta stays ready to be tossed with the sauce later.
Step 2: Crisp the Prosciutto
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced prosciutto and sauté for about five minutes until it crisps up beautifully. This step transforms the prosciutto from tender to crunchy, adding a wonderful savory contrast. Remove the crispy prosciutto from the pan and set it aside, keeping that flavorful oil for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Chicken with Seasonings
In the same skillet, toss in the 2½ cups of cooked chopped chicken. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Greek seasoning and add the minced garlic. Stir and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds to let those aromatic flavors bloom. This quick step enhances the chicken’s flavor without overcooking, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
Step 4: Make the Lemony Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the entire jar of Alfredo sauce along with the juice and zest of one medium lemon. Stir everything together to combine, letting the lemon’s brightness meld with the creamy sauce. Keep the sauce warm on low heat as you prepare to combine with the pasta. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Serve
Finally, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the lemon Alfredo sauce, tossing gently but thoroughly so every bowtie is coated in that velvety mixture. Dish out the pasta into bowls, and generously top with your crispy prosciutto. If you love, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan to add an extra layer of savory richness. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe even further. Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbaceous note, while a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper enhances the sauce’s creaminess. For an extra indulgent touch, freshly grated parmesan cheese on top is always a winner.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Consider a bright arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus theme or some roasted asparagus lightly drizzled with olive oil and sea salt. Garlic bread is an indulgent classic that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe in wide shallow bowls, allowing generous sauce coverage and a perfect display of the crispy prosciutto on top. You can also drizzle a little extra lemon zest and cracked pepper over the dish before serving to add visual appeal and a boost of fresh aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain the texture and flavor of the sauce and chicken.
Freezing
Freezing creamy sauces can be tricky, but if you want to save leftovers for longer, place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Just know the texture of Alfredo sauce may slightly change upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy—but reheating carefully can help smooth it out.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce to its original creamy glory. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist and prevent the prosciutto from becoming overly tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully in this Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe.
Is the prosciutto necessary?
The prosciutto adds a delightful salty crunch that contrasts the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder dish or substitute with crispy bacon or pancetta.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Yes, making your own Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and parmesan will add a fresh homemade touch. Just be sure to whip up enough to coat the pasta generously and incorporate the lemon flavors as directed.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Using pre-cooked chicken helps with speed and moisture retention. If cooking fresh chicken, avoid overcooking and slice it into bite-sized pieces so it warms evenly with the sauce without drying out.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe refrigerates well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep the prosciutto separate until ready to serve for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe combines comfort and elegance in a bowl, showing that flavorful, impressive meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s a fabulous option for those busy days when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a go—you might just find it turning into one of your most-loved go-to dinners!
Print
Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and zesty Lemon Alfredo with Chicken & Prosciutto recipe that combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, savory Greek-seasoned chicken, and crispy prosciutto for a delightful, quick-to-make Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked and drained
Meats
- 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
- 2½ cups cooked chopped chicken
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 2 tsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Crisp Prosciutto: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced prosciutto and sauté until it turns crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the prosciutto from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Prepare Chicken & Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the cooked chopped chicken. Sprinkle with Greek seasoning and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, lemon juice, and add the lemon zest. Stir well to combine all ingredients and reduce heat to low to keep the sauce warm without boiling.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the lemon Alfredo sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into individual bowls. Top each serving with the crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between the creamy sauce and crispy prosciutto.
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne or fettuccine if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or substitute part of the Alfredo with Greek yogurt.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil as garnish can enhance the dish’s aroma and presentation.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
