creamy lemon spaghetti with crunch breadcrumbs

Rating: 5
Difficulty: easy
Category: main course
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 rotisserie chicken
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • zest of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • juice of one lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
  • Add breadcrumbs and stir to thoroughly coat the crumbs with the oil
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the crumbs are golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes
  • It will look like nothing is happening for a long time and then all of the sudden they will turn brown
  • It happens quickly, so keep an eye on them
  • Transfer to a bowl and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon parsley, and the grated cheese
  • Stir to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper
  • Set aside
  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, salt it generously and add the pasta
  • While the pasta cooks, wipe out the skillet and bring the cream and cream cheese to a simmer over medium-low heat – making sure to whisk into a smooth mixture
  • Simmer foR about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly
  • When pasta is just shy of al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain
  • Add the pasta to sauce, along with chicken, lemon juice and the remaining zest and parsley
  • Toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out the sauce, it will continue to thicken as it sits
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve, garnishing with a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture and reserved parsley

Notes:

I add chicken to this recipe

Nutrition Facts: