Introduction
When you’re craving something light yet deeply satisfying, Lemon Chicken Pasta is the perfect answer. This dish is all about balance: tender, pan-seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a zesty, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that clings to every bite. The touch of Parmesan adds creaminess, while garlic and herbs bring bold flavor.
Perfect for weeknights, romantic dinners, or even meal prep, this pasta is comforting without being heavy. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be served as a complete meal with a side of veggies or salad.
For more pasta dinners with bright, bold flavor, check out recipeservice.net where everyday recipes are made extraordinary.
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Protein
- 4 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🍋 Produce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
🍝 Pasta & Broth
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
🧂 Seasoning & Spices
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
🧈 Oil & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish, or a touch of cream for a richer version
👨🍳 Directions
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook 8 oz pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and coat every strand.
🍗 Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with:
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest. Slice before adding to pasta.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet:
- Add 2 tbsp butter and melt over medium heat.
- Sauté 3 cloves minced garlic for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in:
- ¼ cup white wine (or broth)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Add:
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.
🍋 Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss gently with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water.
- Add sliced chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
🌿 Step 5: Serve
- Plate the pasta and top with:
- More Parmesan
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
- Black pepper
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side
🍽️ Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Crispy garlic bread
- Wine Pairing:
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic beautifully
🧑🍳 Variations
- Creamy Lemon Pasta: Add ¼ cup heavy cream with the broth for a richer sauce
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or peas
- Make it Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add chili oil
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF pasta
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often
Freezer:
- Not recommended (pasta and dairy-based sauce may separate)
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—just trim and cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
2. What type of pasta is best?
Linguine or spaghetti work great, but penne or fusilli also hold the sauce well.
3. Can I make it without wine?
Absolutely—just use more chicken broth.
4. What can I use instead of lemon juice?
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but lemon gives the best flavor.
5. How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit chicken and use veggie broth. Add mushrooms or tofu for protein.
6. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Cook chicken and pasta ahead. Reheat sauce just before serving and toss everything fresh.
7. Is the sauce creamy?
It’s a buttery lemon-garlic sauce with Parmesan—rich but not heavy unless you add cream.
8. What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer longer, or add a bit more Parmesan or a knob of butter to thicken.
9. Can I add capers or olives?
Yes! Capers add a lovely briny contrast to the lemon.
10. What makes this dish special?
The brightness of lemon, richness of butter, and the savory chicken come together with minimal ingredients in maximum flavor.
📝 Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels both elegant and effortless. It’s bright from the lemon, savory from the garlic and chicken, and luxuriously coated with a buttery Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking for company or making dinner for one, this pasta delivers comfort with a citrus twist.
Need more weeknight meals that wow without stress? Browse the collection at recipeservice.net, where flavor-forward dinners are just one recipe away.
Lemon Chicken Pasta – Bright, Creamy, and Bursting with Flavor
When you’re craving something light yet deeply satisfying, Lemon Chicken Pasta is the perfect answer. This dish is all about balance: tender, pan-seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a zesty, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that clings to every bite. The touch of Parmesan adds creaminess, while garlic and herbs bring bold flavor.Perfect for weeknights, romantic dinners, or even meal prep, this pasta is comforting without being heavy. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be served as a complete meal with a side of veggies or salad.For more pasta dinners with bright, bold flavor, check out recipeservice.net where everyday recipes are made extraordinary.Ingredients
🍗 Protein
- 4 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
🍋 Produce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 large lemon zest and juice
- Lemon wedges for garnish
🍝 Pasta & Broth
- 8 oz pasta spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine or extra broth
🧂 Seasoning & Spices
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
🧈 Oil & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish or a touch of cream for a richer version
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
🍗 Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
🧄 Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
🍋 Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
🌿 Step 5: Serve
Notes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair with: Roasted asparagus Steamed broccoli Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette Crispy garlic bread Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic beautifully 🧑🍳 Variations
Creamy Lemon Pasta: Add ¼ cup heavy cream with the broth for a richer sauce Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or peas Make it Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add chili oil Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF pasta Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often Freezer:
Not recommended (pasta and dairy-based sauce may separate) ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—just trim and cook until internal temp reaches 165°F. 2. What type of pasta is best?
Linguine or spaghetti work great, but penne or fusilli also hold the sauce well. 3. Can I make it without wine?
Absolutely—just use more chicken broth. 4. What can I use instead of lemon juice?
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but lemon gives the best flavor. 5. How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit chicken and use veggie broth. Add mushrooms or tofu for protein. 6. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Cook chicken and pasta ahead. Reheat sauce just before serving and toss everything fresh. 7. Is the sauce creamy?
It’s a buttery lemon-garlic sauce with Parmesan—rich but not heavy unless you add cream. 8. What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer longer, or add a bit more Parmesan or a knob of butter to thicken. 9. Can I add capers or olives?
Yes! Capers add a lovely briny contrast to the lemon. 10. What makes this dish special?
The brightness of lemon, richness of butter, and the savory chicken come together with minimal ingredients in maximum flavor. 📝 Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels both elegant and effortless. It’s bright from the lemon, savory from the garlic and chicken, and luxuriously coated with a buttery Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking for company or making dinner for one, this pasta delivers comfort with a citrus twist. Need more weeknight meals that wow without stress? Browse the collection at recipeservice.net, where flavor-forward dinners are just one recipe away.
