Description
This easy lemon chicken pasta is a bright, comforting, and healthy dairy-free dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs make it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz dry pasta (penne, spaghetti, or gluten free pasta)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 16 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
- Zest and juice the lemon, keeping zest and juice separate.
- Mince garlic and chop herbs if using fresh.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes in a single layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and reserved pasta water; bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in lemon juice and zest, plus red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted (about 1 minute). Season to taste.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For gluten free, use chickpea or lentil pasta. Sear chicken in batches to avoid steaming. Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce. Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant. Taste and adjust lemon juice and seasoning to preference. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (1 generous bowl)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, dairy free pasta, healthy dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free option, chicken pasta, lemon garlic sauce