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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta for Quick Weeknight Comfort

This Lemon Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and delicate pasta in a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Mini Farfalle Pasta The base ingredient for structure; substitute with any bite-size pasta you prefer.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Main protein; pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works for a quick meal.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Adds a bright citrus aroma; fresh zest is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Offers depth of flavor; you can use fresh minced garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Provides aromatic herbal notes; swap with oregano and basil if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Contributes savory qualities; optional but highly recommended.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing to add richness; substitute with butter or another oil.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Fresh) Adds pungency and aroma; adjust based on your flavor preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Creates a creamy texture in the sauce; reduce for a lighter dish.
For Vegetables
  • 1 cup Zucchini Adds color and nutrition; substitute with any seasonal veggies.
  • 1 cup Yellow Squash Adds color and nutrition; substitute with any seasonal veggies.
For Finishing Touches
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the overall dish; freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds umami and a salty flavor; can swap with nutritional yeast.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Used as a garnish; can be substituted with basil or omitted.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add mini farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, half of the garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté sliced zucchini and yellow squash with remaining garlic for around 5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
  4. Reduce heat to low, and add butter, fresh lemon juice, and the rest of the seasonings to the vegetables. Stir until butter has melted and combined, creating a silky sauce.
  5. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated in lemon sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm, or let cool for a refreshing pasta salad option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge.

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