Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re yearning for a plate of pure comfort that balances sunshine-bright citrus with savory, cheesy goodness, Lemon Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight hero. Tender bites of lightly seasoned chicken mingle with golden sautéed vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, all enrobed in a silken butter-lemon sauce with parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s zesty and cozy, simple yet unmistakably special—the sort of dish you’ll crave any time you need a little extra brightness on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Chicken Pasta comes from simple, everyday ingredients that join forces for big flavor. Every component serves a purpose, adding color, texture, or that essential tang. Gather these pantry staples and fresh picks, and you’re already halfway to dinner bliss!

• Mini farfalle pasta (16 ounces): These fun bowties catch the sauce beautifully, but any bite-sized pasta will do!
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2-3): Lean, juicy chicken takes on the lemon and herb flavors while staying wonderfully tender.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season your chicken and veggies generously for the most flavorful results.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Zesting captures the bright, fragrant oils of the lemon skin—don’t skip this for the best punch of citrus.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon, divided): Layers that mellow, savory note all throughout the recipe.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon, divided): A classic blend for that aromatic, herby touch.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken.
• Olive oil (3 Tablespoons, divided): Perfect for browning chicken and sautéing veggies to golden perfection.
• Zucchini (1, chopped): Brings lightness and a gentle pop of green to the dish.
• Yellow squash (1, chopped): Adds sunny color and soaks up all those garlicky, herby flavors.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic lifts the whole dish—don’t be shy!
• Butter (4 Tablespoons): Turns the sauce silky and rich, making every bite extra luscious.
• Lemon juice (1/4 cup): This is what gives the pasta its signature zing and fresh finish.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): Salty, nutty, melty—parmesan ties it all together.
• Fresh chopped parsley (1/4 cup): A shower of green for flavor and a burst of color at the end.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your mini farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente—a little bite left in the middle—so the pasta won’t become mushy once it’s tossed with the dizzyingly flavorful sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, half of the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and all of the onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high, swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil, and sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side or until it’s cooked through and golden. Once done, rest the chicken on a plate under a tent of foil while you work on the veggies—this keeps it juicy!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet (no need to wash—you want those tasty browned bits). Toss in the chopped zucchini and yellow squash, seasoning with salt, pepper, the remaining garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes until slightly tender, then stir in the minced fresh garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. By now, your kitchen will already smell irresistible!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta straight into the pan with your veggies, then drop in the butter and pour over the zesty lemon juice. Toss well over gentle heat until the butter is melted and the sauce looks glossy. Sprinkle in that glorious parmesan cheese and toss again, so every noodle gets cheesy and coated. Chop your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, letting everything mingle.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Lemon Chicken Pasta with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley and, if you like, another cloud of parmesan. Serve it hot and watch the smiles spread around your table.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can turn Lemon Chicken Pasta into something restaurant-worthy. Try bright, punchy chopped parsley, a fine sprinkle of extra parmesan, or even a few twists of lemon zest for more aroma. Cracked black pepper or a little chili flake also add great contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal in itself, but it shines alongside a simple garden salad tossed with vinaigrette or garlicky roasted asparagus. For bread lovers, a hunk of warm, crusty ciabatta is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Lemon Chicken Pasta presentation up a notch by twirling individual portions into nests on plates, topping with crisped-up chicken and ribbons of fresh lemon peel. For family-style comfort, serve right from the skillet at the table with garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Lemon Chicken Pasta fresh, store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll remain delicious for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or hassle-free dinners.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions of Lemon Chicken Pasta for up to two months. Use a freezer-safe container and press a piece of parchment on top to minimize freezer burn, but know that the veggies will soften a bit upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the sauce. Stir until heated through; you can also microwave individual servings, but stovetop is best for maintaining texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well in Lemon Chicken Pasta. Just choose a shape that holds onto the sauce and veggies for the best results.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes—simply leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or stir in canned chickpeas for added protein and texture.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to gently zest only the bright outer yellow layer of the lemon. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath to keep the flavors vibrant and fresh.

Can I make Lemon Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Certainly! You can cook the pasta and chicken separately, store them in the fridge, and then assemble everything just before serving for maximum freshness and ease.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken—searing it just until cooked through keeps it tender. Letting it rest under foil before chopping allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every bite juicy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably uplifting about gathering around a table for Lemon Chicken Pasta—it’s fresh, comforting, vibrant, and welcoming all at once. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how much joy a bowl of zesty, herby pasta can bring to your dinner routine!

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