If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, comforting, and downright delightful, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender, juicy chicken with a fresh lemony sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta, creating a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe offers a sensational balance that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals to impress and satisfy all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of everyday ingredients that each contribute something special to the final dish. From the zesty lemon that brightens the flavors, to the garlic and red pepper flakes adding aromatic warmth, every component plays a key role in making this pasta unforgettable.
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape): Choose your favorite to complement the sauce—penne or farfalle work beautifully.
- 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin slices cook quickly, ensuring juicy tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning chicken and balancing the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth to the chicken’s seasoning.
- Fresh-ground black pepper: For a mild kick and flavorful accent.
- Zest of 1 large lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing garlic.
- 2 Tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant warmth to the sauce base.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to enliven without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Boosts savory depth and contributes to sauce volume.
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Gives the sauce its bright, fresh flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes that marry well with lemon and garlic.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for savory creaminess and umami.
- Lemon wedges: For an extra citrusy burst at the table.
- Fresh parsley or thyme: Garnishes that add a pop of color and fresh herbal fragrance.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by boiling your favorite pasta until it’s just shy of al dente; this ensures it finishes cooking perfectly when tossed in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside—this is your tender base ready to soak up all that luscious lemony goodness.
Step 2: Season Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the thin chicken slices with kosher salt, fresh-ground black pepper, garlic powder, and the vibrant zest of one large lemon. This simple seasoning blend delivers layers of flavor that make every bite zing.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest—this keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 4: Prepare Sauce
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about a minute. Next, pour in the white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer gently so the sauce thickens and melds together into a flavorful, tangy base that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing it thoroughly to coat each piece in that creamy, lemon-infused goodness. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese so it melts perfectly into the sauce. Finally, nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the mixture to warm through and let the flavors marry.
Step 6: Serve
Your Lemon Chicken Pasta is ready to enjoy! It’s a beautiful, vibrant dish that looks just as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your meal stand out even more, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Don’t forget a lemon wedge on the side; a quick squeeze right before eating adds that perfect fresh, zesty pop that elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed seasonal vegetables. Consider a simple arugula salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or roasted asparagus to complement the citrus notes in the pasta without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more impressive presentation when entertaining, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with the chicken slices fanned out on top. Drizzle a little extra sauce over everything and garnish with microgreens for an elegant restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will settle nicely, making the pasta taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best with this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe due to the brightness of the lemon, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture of the pasta might slightly change after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While any pasta shape works, shapes that hold sauce well like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are especially good choices for this recipe to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The flavors remain just as amazing!
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is definitely preferred because it’s brighter and more vibrant, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Just watch the quantity as bottled juice can sometimes be more concentrated.
What can I use instead of white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
Using thin-sliced chicken breasts that cook quickly is key. Also, sear them over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan to rest. Overcooking will dry the chicken out, so keep an eye on timing!
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together with surprising ease. Its bright lemony sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta make for a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your soul. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly impressive it is—your dinner table is in for a real winner.
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Chicken Pasta made with tender seared chicken breasts, a zesty lemon-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy skillet meal combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors for a delicious weeknight dinner.
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
- 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
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with kosher salt, fresh-ground black pepper, garlic powder, and the zest of one large lemon for bright flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove 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. Then add white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Combine: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Then nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, allowing them to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, then garnish with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley or thyme, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking; you can pound thicker breasts to an even thickness if needed.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute white wine with extra chicken broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the dish and add a fresh taste.
