Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that bring the most comfort. Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes—a delightful balance of tangy citrus, savory chicken, and the perfect amount of garlic and Parmesan. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly light, making it a perfect option for any season. I first came across this recipe on one of those busy evenings when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
As I mixed the chicken, garlic, and lemon in the skillet, the fresh fragrance filled my kitchen, and I knew I had found a winner. Not only does this dish taste fantastic, but it also comes together in just about 25 minutes, which means it’s ideal for those hectic weeknights. The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can add your favorite herbs or even swap out the chicken for shrimp, making it a versatile dish that never gets old.
If you’ve ever needed a dinner that’s both delicious and feels like a warm hug, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is here to deliver. Plus, the balance of zesty lemon and savory Parmesan adds an undeniable freshness to your plate. Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable meal together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dish is the epitome of simple yet elegant cooking. The flavors are light and bright, making it ideal for any time of year, from spring to summer or even a cozy winter night when you’re looking for something a little lighter. It combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon garlic sauce that feels indulgent but never heavy. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare—perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. And, with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless, about 1 lb)
- Pasta (any shape you prefer, 8 oz, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Lemon (zested and juiced, about 1 lemon)
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE Lemon Chicken Pasta:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. I always suggest undercooking it by a minute or so, especially if you’re going to finish the pasta in the skillet. This ensures it doesn’t become too soft when combined with the sauce later. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it will help thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the chicken: While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Then, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water at a time to help bring the sauce together and coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish the dish: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish and serve: If you’d like, top with some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!
Helpful Tips:
- Pasta choice: While any type of pasta works for this dish, I recommend a shape that can hold the sauce well—penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine are all great options.
- Chicken alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using shrimp for a light and fresh seafood twist.
- Make it more lemony: If you love lemon, feel free to add more lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce.
- Herb boost: For a deeper flavor, try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary when cooking the chicken, or sprinkle some over the pasta when serving.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta), Dairy-free (if omitting Parmesan)
NOTES:
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a little bit of heavy cream or milk after adding the chicken broth.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it, though the pasta may absorb more of the sauce. If reheating, consider adding a little more broth or water to loosen the sauce.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per serving)
- Calories: 375
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and chicken in advance and combine them with the sauce just before serving. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water when reheating.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can work as a substitute, though it might lack the depth of flavor.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.
Related Recipes
If you liked this Lemon Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these other light, flavorful pasta dishes:
Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to serve at a small dinner gathering, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is a winning choice. The bright lemony flavor, the savory chicken, and the creamy Parmesan sauce come together to create something special without being too fussy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak according to what you have on hand. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll definitely become a go-to recipe for your dinner repertoire!
Enjoy every bite of this zesty, comforting pasta, and remember—good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
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Lemon Chicken Pasta
Description
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that bring the most comfort. Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes—a delightful balance of tangy citrus, savory chicken, and the perfect amount of garlic and Parmesan. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly light, making it a perfect option for any season. I first came across this recipe on one of those busy evenings when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
As I mixed the chicken, garlic, and lemon in the skillet, the fresh fragrance filled my kitchen, and I knew I had found a winner. Not only does this dish taste fantastic, but it also comes together in just about 25 minutes, which means it’s ideal for those hectic weeknights. The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can add your favorite herbs or even swap out the chicken for shrimp, making it a versatile dish that never gets old.
If you’ve ever needed a dinner that’s both delicious and feels like a warm hug, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is here to deliver. Plus, the balance of zesty lemon and savory Parmesan adds an undeniable freshness to your plate. Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable meal together!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless, about 1 lb)
- Pasta (any shape you prefer, 8 oz, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Lemon (zested and juiced, about 1 lemon)
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. I always suggest undercooking it by a minute or so, especially if you’re going to finish the pasta in the skillet. This ensures it doesn’t become too soft when combined with the sauce later. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it will help thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the chicken: While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Then, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water at a time to help bring the sauce together and coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish the dish: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish and serve: If you’d like, top with some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a little bit of heavy cream or milk after adding the chicken broth.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it, though the pasta may absorb more of the sauce. If reheating, consider adding a little more broth or water to loosen the sauce.