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+ servings
Lemon Chicken Pasta

Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Ready in Under 30 Minutes

A quick and easy recipe for Lemon Chicken Pasta bursting with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Mini Farfalle Pasta Feel free to substitute with penne or rotini for variety.
For the Chicken
  • 2–3 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Rotisserie chicken can be a timesaver if you're in a pinch.
For the Seasoning
  • Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Opt for fresh lemons for a zesty kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Divided, provides comforting depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Divided, brings herbal notes.
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder Adds sweetness; consider omitting for a simpler taste.
For the Sauce and Vegetables
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Divided, used for sautéing.
  • 1 piece Zucchini Lends freshness to the dish.
  • 1 piece Yellow Squash Complements the zucchini.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, heightens flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Creates creaminess in the sauce.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice Always choose freshly squeezed.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Provides savoriness; consider dairy-free options.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, adds color and freshness.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add mini farfalle pasta, and cook until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, half of garlic powder, and half of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté chopped zucchini and yellow squash with minced garlic for 4–5 minutes until tender.
  4. Lower the heat, add butter and lemon juice to the skillet, letting the butter melt and combine with veggies. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Add sliced chicken and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is heated through and well combined.
  6. Transfer pasta to a serving dish, garnish with remaining Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, use quality lemons and avoid overcooking chicken. Reserve pasta water for a silkier sauce.

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