Lemon Chicken Pasta

This creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, citrusy lemons, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavors. It’s a bright and flavorful one pot dish that comes together quickly for the perfect satisfying meal for busy weeknights.

Updated October 2023

Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Looking for a mouthwatering and vibrant dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? This Lemon Chicken Pasta combines the zesty tang of lemons with tender, succulent chicken and a medley of fresh herbs, making it a perfect meal for a lazy weeknight dinner or any special occasion.

This skillet chicken pasta is a versatile and delightful recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or casual gatherings. Its bright and zesty flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for all with a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free diet or not, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: These healthy oils are used to sauté the chicken and garlic, infusing the dish with rich flavor.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs, when cut into bite-sized chunks, are the star protein in this recipe, providing a savory and tender element.
• Garlic: Adds a delightful depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the taste of the chicken and the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base of the sauce, infusing the dish with a rich and comforting taste.
• Water: Helps to create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Opt for gluten-free penne or rotini pasta for a dietary-friendly version such as Jovial Brown Rice Pasta or Banza. For a grain-free option, we like Jovial Cassava Flour pasta, Cappello’s Almond Flour Pasta or Kaizen Low Carb Pasta. If you don’t have dietary restrictions, regular pasta can also be used.
• Lemons: Both the zest and juice of lemons provide a zesty, citrusy punch that brightens up the entire dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a creamy and savory element to the sauce. You can choose Miyokos for dairy-free or regular Parmesan according to your dietary needs.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Use Kite-Hill Ricotta for dairy-free or regular based on your preferences.
• Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley, basil, and baby spinach gives the dish a burst of freshness and color.
• Black Pepper and Sea Salt: Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.

Instructions: How to make Lemon Chicken Pasta

• Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Sauté Garlic: Add 5 cloves of minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 20 seconds until fragrant.
• Sear the Chicken: Add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks. Sauté the chicken until it’s nicely browned.
• Add Broth and Pasta: Stir in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 3 cups of uncooked gluten-free penne or rotini pasta (or regular pasta if you prefer).
• Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then promptly reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low for about 11-13 minutes, ensuring to stir the pasta with tongs periodically to prevent sticking.
• Check for Doneness: Remove the lid when the pasta reaches an al dente consistency and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
• Simmer: Allow the dish to simmer for an additional five minutes, infusing the flavors.
• Add Zest and Creaminess: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the zest and juice of 2 medium lemons, along with 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (dairy-free or regular).
• Season to Perfection: Season your Lemon Chicken Pasta with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and adjust the salt according to your preference.
• Garnish: Finish by garnishing your dish with lemon slices and additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Sauté the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is well browned, as this step adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Stir the Pasta: While cooking, stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking and achieve the ideal al dente texture.
• Season to Taste: Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy lemon chicken pasta with a simple green salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, a side of garlic bread, or some air fryer roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Don’t forget to garnish with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra pop of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Veggie Twist: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free alternatives for both Parmesan and ricotta if you have dietary restrictions.
• Pasta Choice: While the recipe suggests gluten-free pasta options, you can always use traditional wheat-based pasta.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Refrigeration: This one pot lemon chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: Can I use regular pasta if I’m not gluten-free?

A1: Yes, you can certainly use regular pasta in this recipe if you don’t have dietary restrictions.

Q2: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

A2: Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish before freezing.

Q4: Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the cheeses?

A4: Yes, you can use dairy-free options for both Parmesan and ricotta cheeses if you have dietary restrictions.

Q5: Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

A5: Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Q6: Is there a way to make the dish spicier?

A6: To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.

More delicious lemon chicken recipes you will love:

Sheet Pan Honey Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Garlic

5 from 7 votes

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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

23 mins

 

This creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, citrusy lemons, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavors. It’s a bright and flavorful one pot dish that comes together quickly for the perfect satisfying meal for busy weeknights.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy pasta dish dinner, easy weeknight meal, lemon chicken pasta, pasta with chicken

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 472 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or skinless boneless thighs if preferred), cut into 1 inch chunks
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 cups uncooked gluten-free penne or rotini pasta , such as Jovial Brown Rice Pasta or Banza. For a grain-free option, we like Jovial Cassava Flour pasta, Cappello's Almond Flour Pasta or Kaizen Low Carb Pasta. You can also use regular pasta if you're not gluten-free.
• 2 medium lemons , zested and juiced
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese , dairy-free or regular - we like Miyokos for dairy-free, or more to taste
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese , dairy-free or regular - we like Kite-Hill for dairy-free
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves , sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup loosely packed baby spinach , roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
• sea salt to taste
• 1 lemon sliced for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Add the chicken and sauté until just browned.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, water, and uncooked pasta to pan.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat down to low.
5. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low for about 11-13 minutes, stirring the pasta with tongs often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove the cover once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Allow to simmer for about five more minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, parsley, basil, parmesan cheese and ricotta cheese.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and garnish with lemon and additional parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Refrigeration: This Lemon Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/6 recipe))

Calories 472 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Carbohydrates 49g16%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 34g68%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.