This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a zesty treat that’s quick and easy to whip up! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a burst of lemon flavor come together nicely for a delightful dish.
You know it’s a winner when the garlic smell fills your kitchen! I love making this on busy nights because it’s yummy and done in no time. Pair it with a salad for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works best for this dish due to their wider surface area, which holds the sauce well. Don’t have them? Try spaghetti or penne as alternatives; they’ll work just fine!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal since they cook quickly. You can swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor or even use shrimp for a seafood twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just remember, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to one clove of fresh garlic.
Lemon: Fresh lemons offer the most vibrant flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use bottled lemon juice, though I prefer the real deal for the zest and brightness it provides!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is perfect for this recipe, adding creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based cheese, or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor punch.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, as it’s easy to dry it out. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender:
- Start by cutting the chicken into uniform chunks. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor.
- Use a hot skillet – this helps give the chicken a nice golden brown crust.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping only once. You want them browned on the outside but still juicy inside.
- Always let the chicken rest a couple of minutes after cooking before adding it back to the dish. This keeps the juices locked in!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (reserve a few lemon slices for garnish)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Most of the time will go into cooking the pasta and chicken, while the rest is spent preparing the delicious lemon garlic sauce. In no time, you will have a wonderful meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken chunks and season them generously with salt and black pepper. This step is important to ensure the chicken has great flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. They should be nicely browned on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
5. Make the Sauce:
Next, add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir it all together, bringing it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes. This will concentrate those yummy flavors!
6. Finish the Sauce:
Now, stir in the butter until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it around to coat all of the strands in that lovely lemon garlic sauce. If you find that the pasta is a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Add Cheese and Parsley:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley, tossing everything together. Taste the dish and add any additional salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
9. Return the Chicken:
Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the pasta so everything is well combined and warm.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is ready to be served! Dish it up and top with lemon slices and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant meal!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great healthier alternative. Just remember that whole wheat pasta can take a minute longer to cook, so check the package for exact cooking times!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. For the butter, use a plant-based margarine or olive oil as an alternative.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water will work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that using broth will add more flavor compared to plain water.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce, toss with the pasta, and add the chicken!