Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that brightens up any dinner table, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true gem. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a silky, tangy lemon-infused sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmony of fresh and savory flavors. Whether it’s a weekday meal or a weekend treat, this recipe brings warmth and a delightful pop of zest to every bite, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the zing of fresh lemon zest to the fragrant herbs and the luscious creaminess of Parmesan, coming together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 8 ounces pasta any shape: Choose your favorite pasta to soak up the tangy lemon sauce perfectly.
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and stay juicy, giving the dish a satisfying protein base.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate lemon notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Fresh-ground black pepper: Brings a gentle heat that balances the brightness of the lemon.
- Zest of 1 large lemon: The star of the show, it infuses the dish with refreshing citrus aroma and flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided: For searing and enhancing the richness of the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons butter divided: Brings silkiness and richness to the sauce and chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Imparts a fragrant, savory foundation for the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle kick that livens up the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, building layers of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Enhances the savory base of the sauce and keeps it light.
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Sharpens the citrus tone, complementing the zest beautifully.
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that rounds out the sauce with aromatic notes.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Lemon wedges: For an extra burst of citrus when serving.
- Fresh parsley or thyme: To sprinkle on top and add a touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it is just shy of al dente—this ensures it will finish cooking perfectly when tossed in the sauce. Once drained, set it aside, ready to absorb the bright flavors of the lemon sauce later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season each chicken breast generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and the fresh zest of lemon. This combination not only flavors the meat but also enhances the freshness and brightness that defines the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat half of your olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest while you prepare the sauce—it keeps all the juices locked in.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter along with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté just until the garlic releases its fragrance, about 30 seconds, then pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Allow it to reduce slightly before stirring in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let these simmer together, creating a lively, aromatic base that makes this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss the pasta in the lemon sauce with the Parmesan cheese so it becomes creamy and flavorful. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating it lightly with the sauce. This step binds all the elements, ensuring every mouthful is bursting with delicious lemony goodness.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and warm. The vibrant colors, the mingling of zesty citrus and savory chicken, and the comforting pasta make this dish a sure crowd-pleaser from the very first bite.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your pasta with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme. These not only add an inviting splash of color but brighten the flavors even more with a burst of freshness every time you dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed asparagus for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also complements the saucy pasta beautifully, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that lemon-infused goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with thin lemon slices and whole herb sprigs. This adds an elegant touch for dinner parties and shows off the fresh ingredients in all their glory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow slightly but remain delicious, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Freezing pasta dishes with sauce can be tricky, so it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep the sauce silky. Toss in the pasta just before serving to avoid overcooking it and losing that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is very versatile. Whether you prefer spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, any pasta shape will work as it soaks up the zesty sauce beautifully.
Is it okay to use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice always provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor, which is central to this recipe. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh lemons are highly recommended for the best taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The lemon and herbs will still shine through and keep the dish delicious.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Searing the chicken quickly over medium-high heat and not overcooking it is key. Letting it rest after cooking also helps retain the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Lightly sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas tossed into the pasta add color, texture, and extra nutrition without overpowering the delicate lemon sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes every meal feel like a celebration of fresh, honest flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re rewarded with a dish that’s both comforting and bright. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with loved ones — it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a bright, flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a zesty lemon sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant meal ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special. The sauce blends garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, tossed with Parmesan cheese for a creamy, tangy finish. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this dish delivers a delightful balance of freshness and richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
Chicken
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 large lemon
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions recommend to ensure it finishes cooking in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest to infuse bright citrus flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, additional lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well with the sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce and pasta to warm through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta with chicken, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley or thyme. Add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors at their peak.
Notes
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking and even searing.
- Any pasta shape works well; try penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- To make the dish dairy-free, omit butter and Parmesan or substitute with vegan alternatives.
- White wine adds depth but can be substituted with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a mild version.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For meal prep, keep pasta and chicken separate to avoid sogginess when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
