This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a bright and tasty dish that’s sure to impress! With juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic, it’s as delicious as it is simple to make.
Cooking this dish always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I love squeezing fresh lemon juice on top—it’s like adding sunshine to my plate. 🍋 What’s not to love about that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine works perfectly for this dish, but feel free to swap in spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Choose what you love!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Cooked shrimp or tofu also make tasty alternatives!
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an amazing aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always better in my opinion. Aim for about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove.
Lemon: The lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work in a hurry, but fresh is always preferable for the zest.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken well helps ensure it will be juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium-high heat for your skillet and let the oil heat up before adding the chicken.
- Season the pieces with salt and pepper for enhanced taste. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, roughly 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; it should be at least 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest briefly before adding it back to the sauce; this keeps the juices in!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz (about 225g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25 minutes to prepare this delicious dish, including cooking the pasta and sautéing the chicken. It’s a quick and easy meal that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—just be cautious not to let the garlic burn!
4. Mix the Sauce:
Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes; this will intensify the flavor.
5. Add Butter and Combine:
Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts and is fully mixed into the sauce. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to ensure it’s coated in the delicious lemon-garlic sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything together carefully, adding a little reserved pasta water at a time if the sauce feels too thick. You want it nice and creamy!
7. Final Touches:
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s just right, transfer the pasta to serving plates.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a few lemon slices on top for a fresh and vibrant presentation. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine and fettuccine are great choices, you can also use spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Is There a Substitute for Chicken?
Yes! If you prefer not to use chicken, consider swapping it with cooked shrimp, tofu, or even sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese and butter. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.
