Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as digging into a big, twirly bowl of Lemon Chicken Pasta — it’s zippy, bright, and unbelievably comforting all at once! The golden, juicy chicken mingles with tender pasta in a silky, lemon-scented sauce that feels like sunshine right on your table. This dish is seriously a staple in my weeknight rotation, and I can’t wait to share every last tip with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here — just a short list of fresh, everyday ingredients that really let the star flavors shine. These essentials work together to create that perfect balance of brightness, savoriness, and creaminess in every forkful of Lemon Chicken Pasta!

• Pasta (8 ounces, any shape): Go classic with spaghetti, but penne or fusilli are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Chicken Breasts (4 thin-sliced, boneless & skinless): Thin-sliced means more golden sear and faster cooking!
• Kosher Salt & Fresh-Ground Black Pepper: To season every layer, making the flavors pop.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an underlying warmth and depth to the chicken.
• Lemon Zest (from 1 large lemon): Infuses the chicken and sauce with bright, fragrant citrus.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps sear the chicken and build that glossy sauce.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Makes everything silky, luscious, and rich.
• Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that iconic, mouthwatering aroma — cook gently so it never burns.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a tingle of heat; adjust to your liking.
• White Wine (1/4 cup): Adds complexity and acidity to round out the sauce; any dry white is great.
• Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Deepens the flavor and stretches the sauce—go for low-sodium to control saltiness.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Gives the pasta its signature sunny zing!
• Italian Seasoning (3/4 teaspoon): A blend of herbs to give that “just right” Mediterranean feel.
• Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): Melts into the sauce for a salty, savory finish.
• Lemon Wedges, Fresh Parsley or Thyme: For garnish and a finishing burst of color and freshness.

Variations

One of my absolute favorite things about Lemon Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or simply craving a twist, these variations make adapting the dish totally fuss-free.

• Swap the Pasta: Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or even chickpea pasta to fit your pantry staples or dietary preferences.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end for a silkier, richer sauce.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add spinach, peas, or sautéed zucchini for more color, texture, and plant power.
• Vegetarian Lemon Pasta: Skip the chicken and top with roasted chickpeas or mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free meal.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in a generous pinch of salt — it’s the secret to flavorful noodles! Cook your pasta of choice just shy of al dente, as it’ll finish up in the sauce. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining in case you want a saucier finish later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, lay the chicken breasts out on a plate. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and that fragrant lemon zest. This step builds flavor straight into every bite of chicken, so don’t skimp on the zest!

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the butter melts and is just starting to bubble, add the chicken. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side — you want a deep golden crust and the chicken nearly cooked through. Set it aside on a plate (it will finish cooking later).

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then add the rest of the olive oil and butter. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds. Pour in the white wine and use your spoon to scrape up every last golden bit on the bottom of the pan — these flavor-packed “fond” bits are what make the sauce unforgettable! Add the broth, lemon juice, extra lemon zest, and Italian seasoning, then bring to a bubbly simmer for about a minute.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta into the skillet, then sprinkle in your Parmesan and toss everything so the noodles are glossy and well-coated in sauce. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as you like. If you want the sauce a bit looser, splash in some reserved pasta water now.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken & Serve

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, tucking them between the pasta. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes, just until the chicken is perfectly juicy and cooked through. Top with lemon wedges, a shower of fresh herbs, and another sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve immediately—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A scatter of chopped fresh parsley or sprigs of thyme on top brings a vibrant, garden-fresh touch that looks gorgeous against the golden chicken and creamy noodles. Don’t forget plenty of extra lemon wedges for anyone who loves an extra citrus punch — it really livens up every forkful!

Side Dishes

Lemon Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with simple green salads or garlicky sautéed veggies. A hunk of warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up every last drop of the zesty sauce. You could also add a chilled glass of white wine for the ultimate at-home trattoria experience!

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, twirl individual servings of pasta into high, nest-like mounds, perch a sliced chicken breast on top, and finish with a flourish of lemon zest and herbs. Serving family-style in a large, shallow bowl also makes for a striking centerpiece at casual dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta keeps delightfully well! Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, which honestly makes it just as good (if not better) the next day for lunch.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the cooled pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, add a tiny splash of olive oil to help maintain the sauce’s creamy texture upon reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Lemon Chicken Pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. This keeps the pasta from drying out and helps revive the glossy, lemony sauce. The microwave works in a pinch, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick, soul-warming meal that everyone will adore, Lemon Chicken Pasta truly delivers! There’s nothing fussy about it — just cozy, vibrant flavors that will bring smiles to your table. Give it a try soon and don’t forget to savor all that luscious, lemony goodness. Happy cooking, friend!

Print