Both the presentation and flavor of this subtle dish are quite elegant, so while it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner, you can certainly serve it to company.

　　

Ingredients

4 to 6 servings

　　1 pound penne pasta

　　3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, diced into 1-inch cubes

　　1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

　　Pinch of salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon

　　Pinch of freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon

　　1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

　　2 cups heavy cream

　　Zest of 1 lemon

　　Pinch of cayenne pepper

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

　　1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with the herbes de Provence and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour off any excess oil from the pan. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the cream, lemon zest, and cayenne. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add the pasta, chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce and serve.

　　Everyday Pasta