Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Chicken Pasta

Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a zesty sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Mini Farfalle Pasta Feel free to swap with any bite-sized pasta you enjoy.
For the Chicken
  • 2-3 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie is a great time saver.
For Seasoning
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust based on your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Divide this amount; fresh garlic works well if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Divide this amount; any Italian herb mix will do.
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder Optional based on taste.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Key for sautéing; substitute with your choice of cooking oil if desired.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Consider a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh juice is highly recommended for brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 Zucchini Chopped; feel free to substitute with yellow squash or other favorite veggies.
  • 1 Yellow Squash Chopped; can be omitted if not on hand.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; adjust according to your garlic preference.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Can swap with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped Basil or omitting entirely works too!

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • large pot
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken and sauté for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the mini farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then return the pasta to the pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot used for the pasta, pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
  4. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot. Stir well to combine, allowing the butter to melt and create a creamy sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the pot with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken. If dry, gradually add in reserved pasta water.
  6. Sprinkle in the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and blends into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy straight or chilled as a pasta salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Cook chicken until golden brown for the best flavor. Use fresh ingredients to elevate the freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!