Go Back
Plate of Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta garnished with parsley and lemon slices

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring chicken, lemon, and garlic, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts Use boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking.
  • 200 g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) Both types hold the sauce well.
  • 3 tablespoons butter Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 piece lemon (zested and juiced) Zest before juicing for best results.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • as needed Fresh parsley for garnish
  • optional Parmesan cheese Recommended for salty umami flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Salt the pasta water well to season the pasta and reserve a half cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foaming and slightly browned.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  4. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice the chicken.
Combining the Dish
  1. In the same skillet, add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
  2. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  3. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat.
Serving
  1. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
  2. Add a final grate of lemon zest and a twist of black pepper.

Notes

Flexibility in ingredient swaps allows for variations based on dietary preferences, such as vegan or spicy versions.