Description
This easy and flavor-packed Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon butter sauce, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe features a bright, lemony twist that’s balanced with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces total)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve a small amount of hot pasta water for later use, but do not drain the pasta before completing step 6.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt & pepper to taste, being careful not to overseason if the lemon pepper already contains salt.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and chicken is cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Remove the skillet from heat and let cool briefly for 1-2 minutes. Return skillet to medium heat and add butter. Allow it to melt completely.
- Add Aromatics and Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved hot pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, then immediately add it to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This pasta has a strong lemon flavor; reduce the amount of lemon juice and zest if you prefer a milder taste.
- If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add more reserved hot pasta water a tablespoon at a time while tossing to achieve a smooth, silky sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; it should be fragrant but not browned.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting consistency.
- To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking and slice it just before mixing with pasta.
