If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with comforting, creamy textures, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to a golden perfection, tossed with al dente pasta and enveloped in a fragrant sauce bursting with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and just a hint of heat. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, delivering a satisfying taste of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role—from the tangy lemon zest that wakes up the palate to the rich Parmesan that adds a savory depth. These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and pleasing textures.
- 8 ounces pasta any shape: Choose your favorite pasta shape; penne or linguine works wonderfully here to hold the sauce well.
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin slices make quick work of cooking without drying out the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle roasted garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Fresh-ground black pepper: For a touch of warmth and spice that balances the citrus.
- Zest of 1 large lemon: Packs in a bright, fragrant lemon aroma that defines the dish.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided: Used for sautéing and searing to build flavor layers.
- 2 Tablespoons butter divided: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce and chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is key to the dish’s savory backbone.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Introduces a delicate acidity and depth; if you prefer, use extra chicken broth.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful.
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Balances the richness and enhances the fresh lemon flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect herb medley that brings warmth and complementing herbal notes.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that binds the sauce and pasta beautifully.
- Lemon wedges: For an extra fresh squeeze when serving.
- Fresh parsley or thyme: Bright green herbs that add color and a subtle fresh flavor.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s just shy of al dente — this ensures it finishes cooking perfectly when tossed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm and ready to soak up all those fantastic flavors.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, take your thin-sliced chicken breasts and season them generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and the bright zest of a lemon. This combination gives the chicken a seasoned crust and infuses a citrusy aroma that complements the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken slices and sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes just a few minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping all those flavorful brown bits in the pan for the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add a bit more olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant — don’t rush this step, as it’s where the flavor truly builds. Then pour in the white wine, scraping up any caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Follow by adding chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently, reducing slightly to concentrate the bright, savory flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing it with the sauce and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This step allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s creamy, tangy goodness. Finally, nestle the seared chicken pieces back in so everything is coated evenly and warmed through before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined and piping hot, it’s time to plate up this stunning Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. Fresh lemon wedges and herbs like parsley or thyme add a pop of color and an inviting aroma that elevate the entire dish.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes make all the difference—bright lemon wedges to squeeze over every bite bring a fresh citrus burst, while fresh parsley or thyme adds a lovely herbal fragrance and a splash of color. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts either.
Side Dishes
For an effortless meal, consider pairing this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness and texture of these sides perfectly complement the creamy, tangy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh thyme and a thin lemon slice for a fancy touch. Alternatively, you can plate the chicken separately atop the pasta for a more structured presentation that lets guests appreciate the golden chicken on its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the best texture, keep the pasta and chicken in the sauce rather than storing them separately.
Freezing
While freezing this pasta is possible, delicate textures like lemon zest and fresh herbs may lose their brightness. If you choose to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the chicken and toughen the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
While any pasta will do, shapes like penne, farfalle, or linguine catch the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Is white wine necessary in the sauce?
White wine adds a lovely depth and acidity, but you can substitute it with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice if preferred.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the butter and Parmesan and use olive oil exclusively. Nutritional yeast can be a flavorful Parmesan alternative if you want a cheesy note.
How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Using thin-sliced chicken breasts and searing them quickly over medium-high heat helps lock in juices while achieving a beautiful golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something both comforting and bright with just a handful of ingredients. The marriage of zesty lemon, savory Parmesan, and tender chicken makes every forkful feel like a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a bright lemon-infused sauce and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. A quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
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
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside to prepare with the sauce later.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with kosher salt, garlic powder, fresh-ground black pepper, and the lemon zest to infuse citrus flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts 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 until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with white wine, then add chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to reduce and meld flavors.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet to warm through and combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the lemon chicken pasta and garnish with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley or thyme, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use thin-sliced chicken breasts or pound regular breasts to even thickness for quick and even cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- White wine can be omitted and replaced with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier taste.
- Garnish herbs are optional but add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
