Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken is a light yet flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a bright, zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing meal any time of the year. With a perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and parmesan, this pasta dish will become a new favorite!
1. What Is Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken?
Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken is an Italian-inspired dish that combines the freshness of lemon juice with the richness of garlic and butter, all tossed with tender chicken and pasta. The result is a vibrant, creamy, and slightly tangy dish that’s packed with flavor.
Why Is It So Popular?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Fresh & Light: The citrusy sauce is refreshing yet satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Perfect For:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Summer pasta cravings
2. Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: 2 large (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- Pasta: 12 ounces (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
3. Preparing the Chicken
1. Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
4. Cooking the Pasta & Sauce
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and add olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently (don’t let it brown).
3. Add Liquids & Lemon:
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, then bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Toss the Pasta:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Adjust the Sauce:
- If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
5. Combining the Chicken & Pasta
1. Add the Chicken:
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
2. Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra zest.
6. Serving Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken
1. Plate & Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and grated parmesan.
2. Pair With:
- Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
7. Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Let it rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice won’t have the same bright, fresh taste.
- Save the Pasta Water: It helps create a silky sauce.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
8. Variations to Try
1. Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta:
- Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before adding the pasta for a richer texture.
2. Spicy Garlic Lemon Pasta:
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
3. Shrimp Lemon Garlic Pasta:
- Swap chicken for shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Vegetarian Lemon Garlic Pasta:
- Use mushrooms or zucchini instead of chicken.
9. FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or olive oil.
2. Can I freeze lemon garlic pasta?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months without the cheese.
3. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work best for holding the light sauce.
4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Use ½ teaspoon dried parsley in place of fresh.
5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water before adding the broth.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of olive oil or chicken broth.
7. Can I make this without garlic?
Yes, but garlic adds a key flavor. Substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
8. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and seasonings are GF-certified.
9. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it in at the end.
10. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus flavors.
Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Whether you make it creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed, this pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. 🍋🍝✨ Happy cooking!