This Lemon Chicken Pasta is simple and bursting with flavor! It’s a great meal for summer, ready in just 20 minutes, and includes fresh seasonal vegetables.
For a meal that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the richness of a creamy sauce, Lemon Chicken Pasta is an excellent choice. This dish features farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta, coated in a luscious lemon-infused sauce and topped with grilled chicken pieces. Garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge, it’s a visually appealing and delicious meal.
A Burst of Fresh Flavors
The creamy lemon sauce is the star of this dish, providing a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. The lemon zest and juice add a refreshing brightness that complements the savory grilled chicken and the creamy sauce. The fresh herbs, likely parsley or basil, add a touch of color and a hint of earthiness that enhances the overall taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Lemon Chicken Pasta is a versatile choice. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. The chicken is grilled to perfection and then combined with the pasta and creamy lemon sauce. The farfalle pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.
A Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Its vibrant presentation and delicious taste make it a standout meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner table, combining the familiar comfort of pasta with the fresh, zesty notes of lemon.
You will adore Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe:
- Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The mix of lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs gives it a lively and refreshing taste. It adds a zesty kick to every bite, balancing the richness of the chicken and pasta perfectly.
- Light and Healthy Option: Unlike heavy cream sauces, Lemon Chicken Pasta often uses olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, making it a lighter yet still flavorful choice. It’s ideal for those seeking a satisfying meal without feeling overly full.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Lemon Chicken Pasta is simple to make, making it great for busy weeknights or when you need a speedy meal. With basic ingredients and easy cooking techniques, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tailor Lemon Chicken Pasta to your preferences. Add extra veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more flavor and nutrition. Plus, you can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to suit your taste, creating a pasta dish that’s just right for you.
Using Fresh Ingredients:
- Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded parmesan for better flavor and texture. It melts better when sprinkled over warm pasta and chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor significantly.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a unique flavor that dried parsley flakes can’t match.
Variations:
- Vegetables: If you prefer, you can switch the zucchini and squash for broccoli, asparagus, spinach, or any other favorite vegetable!
- Pasta: Feel free to use your preferred bite-size pasta for this dish.
For Lemon Chicken Pasta, here are some complementary items you can serve:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve slices of warm garlic bread or breadsticks on the side to complement the flavors of the pasta and soak up any extra sauce.
- Green Salad: Accompany the pasta with a light and refreshing green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the citrusy flavors of the dish.
- Steamed Asparagus: Serve steamed asparagus spears on the side for a vibrant and nutritious addition to the meal. The freshness of the asparagus pairs well with the lemony pasta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over the pasta to add a savory and nutty flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
Be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes!
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini farfalle pasta or your favorite bite-size pasta
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 yellow squash chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the package.
- While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until it's cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once hot, add chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the hot-cooked pasta to the skillet along with butter and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the butter has melted. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.
- Chop the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. Serve garnished with parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious chicken and vegetable pasta!
Notes
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