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Lemon Chicken Pasta wakes up the plate with bright citrus, tender bites of chicken, and silky noodles that twirl like ribbons. Think weeknight-friendly Chicken Pasta Dinner energy with the elegance of Lemon Butter Pasta—all in one pan. Juicy, seared chicken, a glossy Lemon Pasta Sauce, and a handful of herbs make this an Easy Lemon Pasta that still feels special. If you love browsing Healthy Pasta Recipes or crave new Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas, this is your fresh, zesty keeper for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sunny citrus meets savory depth—fresh lemon brightens every forkful without heaviness.
- One-pan ease for minimal cleanup and maximum payoff—perfect for streamlined cooking.
- A naturally glossy emulsion gives that restaurant-style sheen found in Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipes (without feeling heavy).
- Versatile pasta shapes—farfalle for fans of Bow Tie Pasta Recipes, linguine for classic slurpability.
- Protein-forward chicken keeps it satisfying while staying weeknight simple—ideal for modern Chicken Lemon Recipes.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 20 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free (with GF pasta) |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – lean protein for staying power
- Farfalle (bow tie) or linguine – farfalle for those who love Bow Tie Pasta Recipes; linguine for classic twirls
- Olive oil – heart-healthy fats (read more on extra-virgin) and flavor
- Unsalted butter – rounds out the sauce for that subtle Lemon Alfredo Pasta vibe
- Fresh garlic – aromatic backbone without weight
- Lemon zest and juice – bright acidity for a lifted Lemon Pasta Sauce finish
- Low-sodium chicken broth – savory base that keeps things light
- Grated Parmesan – salty richness; classic to many pasta plates
- Greek yogurt or light cream – optional for a silkier sauce (think lighter Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipes)
- Fresh parsley or basil – herbaceous pop at the end
- Red pepper flakes – a gentle hum of heat
- Kosher salt & black pepper – balance and bite
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Set aside and slice or cube.
- Lower heat. Add butter and garlic to the pan; stir until fragrant. Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
- Deglaze with chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Add lemon juice and a splash of pasta water to the pan. Stir in Parmesan to create a glossy sauce.
- Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed.
- Off heat, stir in Greek yogurt or cream if using. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
How to Make the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
We build Lemon Chicken Pasta in layers—quick sear, glossy emulsion, and a citrus finish that smells like sunshine.
Step 1: Season & Sear
Salt and pepper the chicken, then sear in olive oil over medium-high until golden and cooked through. Rest on a plate; slice or cube.
Step 2: Aromatics & Zest
Lower heat; add butter and garlic. Stir until fragrant. Fold in lemon zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes to bloom their flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze & Reduce
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up fond for a savory, concentrated base.
Step 4: Cook Pasta to al dente
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water for finishing.
Step 5: Emulsify the Lemon Pasta Sauce
Add lemon juice and a splash of starchy pasta water to the pan; whisk in Parmesan to create a glossy emulsion like classic olive oil–based sauces.
Step 6: Toss & Coat
Add pasta and chicken to the pan; toss vigorously, splashing more pasta water as needed for a silky, clingy sauce worthy of Easy Lemon Pasta.
Step 7: Finish & Brighten
Off heat, swirl in a spoon of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream for a lighter Lemon Alfredo Pasta feel. Shower with herbs and black pepper.
Pro Tips for Making the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Salt your pasta water “like the sea” so every noodle tastes seasoned before it meets the sauce.
- Keep the sauce glossy by adding Parmesan off direct heat—this prevents clumping and keeps that velvety sheen.
- Use farfalle when you want saucy pockets; linguine when you crave silky strands—both play beautifully in Chicken Pasta Dinner lineups.
- Balance acidity: start with less lemon juice, then brighten to taste—layers matter in Lemon Butter Pasta style dishes.
- Reserve extra pasta water; a splash revives the emulsion if it tightens while serving Lemon Chicken Pasta.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta
Pair the citrusy comfort of Lemon Chicken Pasta with crisp, fresh sides for a complete plate.
- With arugula salad, shaved fennel, and lemon vinaigrette
- Alongside roasted asparagus or tender green beans
- With garlicky broccolini and toasted almonds
- Topped with capers and extra zest for briny pop
- With blistered cherry tomatoes and basil
- Alongside a simple cucumber-tomato salad
- With crusty bread to swipe up sauce
- Finished with ricotta dollops for gentle creaminess
- With a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat lovers
- As leftovers, served warm over baby spinach
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool Lemon Chicken Pasta quickly on a sheet pan to keep noodles springy
• Refrigerate in a shallow, airtight container up to 3 days
• Save a small jar of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce later
• Keep herbs separate and fold in fresh just before serving
Freezing
• Freeze Lemon Chicken Pasta in single-serve portions for easy lunches
• Undercook pasta by 1–2 minutes so it reheats to perfect texture
• Add a spoon of broth atop each portion to guard against dryness
• Use within 2 months for best flavor and bite
Reheating
• Reheat Lemon Chicken Pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth
• Stir in a knob of butter or yogurt to restore silkiness
• Warm on low to prevent splitting; add lemon zest at the end for brightness
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to avoid hot spots
FAQs
What are the health benefits of chicken, olive oil, and lemon?
Lean chicken offers high-quality protein, extra-virgin olive oil adds heart-friendly fats, and fresh lemon brings flavor without heavy cream. Together, they make a lighter spin compared to richer dishes.
Can I substitute a major ingredient?
Yes. Swap chicken breasts for thighs, use gluten-free pasta, or try zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, replace butter with more olive oil and skip Parmesan—still a bright Easy Lemon Pasta.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Layer zest, fresh herbs, garlic, and black pepper. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and plenty of parsley—classic techniques used across Italian Healthy Pasta Recipes traditions.
Can I meal prep Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely. Cook pasta slightly shy of al dente, store chicken separately, and combine while reheating to keep textures vivid. It’s perfect alongside other Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipes ideas you love.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Pasta brings sunshine to the table—zesty, cozy, and fast enough for any night. It’s a gentle balance of citrus, savor, and creamy gloss that feels both comforting and fresh. Keep the method, swap the shapes, and make it your own with seasonal herbs. Once you try it, this bright bowl might become your new weeknight ritual.
