Lemon Chicken Pasta

There’s something absolutely enchanting about a plate of Lemon Chicken Pasta that brings me back to sunny afternoons spent in the kitchen with my family. I remember the aroma of roasted vegetables wafting through the air, mingling with the zesty scent of lemon. It’s a dish that captures the essence of spring, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Whenever I make Lemon Chicken Pasta, I feel like I’m serving up a slice of sunshine on a plate. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta

The ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta are not only simple but also work in tandem to create a deliciously cohesive dish. Each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors. We start with fresh chicken, a key player in providing protein and richness, while zesty lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Fresh vegetables enhance both the nutrition and texture, making this a wholesome meal.

• 1 Recipe Basil Lemon Chicken
• 12 oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
• 1 small zucchini, halved and sliced
• 1/2 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 1” pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound linguine or thin spaghetti
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (you will not use all of it)
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or more to taste
• crumbled bacon (optional)

The Process for Making Lemon Chicken Pasta

Making Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful process that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas. Each step is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a plate full of deliciousness.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken according to your favorite recipe directions. This step infuses the meat with flavor and ensures it stays juicy during cooking.
2. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Combine the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Toss them well to coat. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the sheet for even roasting. The oil will help them roast beautifully, transferring its flavor to the pasta later. Roast for around 12 to 15 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the veggies are roasting, boil a pot of salted water. Add your linguine and cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, as you’ll need it later to bind the dish together.
4. Cook the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken and either grill it or sauté it indoors. If cooking indoors, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it sear for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s golden brown. Flip it over, lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Assemble the Dish: In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion (adding more olive oil if needed), and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the cooked pasta to this mixture along with the thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and the roasted vegetables. Toss everything together to combine, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finishing Touches: Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese to your liking. Taste the dish and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Things Worth Knowing

Change It Up

There are countless ways to personalize Lemon Chicken Pasta. Here are some fun tips to make it your own.

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
• Make it Creamy: For a richer flavor profile, consider adding heavy cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy sauce.
• Use Different Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or salmon, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Customize Your Veggies: Incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables to suit your taste and make the dish your own.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Lemon Chicken Pasta, the options are as abundant as they are delightful. Here are some pairing suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A side of crisp garlic bread complements the pasta perfectly, soaking up any delicious sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the pasta.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Serve roasted or sautéed seasonal veggies alongside for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: A wedge of lemon on the side allows guests to add a little extra zest to their plates.
• Wine Pairing: Although I focus on the food here, a crisp white wine pairs beautifully with lemon flavors.
• Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner gatherings, especially during spring celebrations or family get-togethers.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to enjoy again!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Chicken Pasta stands out for its vibrant flavors, freshness, and ease of preparation. It perfectly captures the essence of spring with every bite. I encourage you to try making it for your next family dinner or casual gathering. You won’t be disappointed with the taste and the smiles it brings to your table!

Lemon Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Chicken Pasta is a creamy and zesty dish that will satisfy your cravings for an easy weeknight dinner. Bursting with fresh vegetables and topped with Parmesan, it's a meal that everyone will love. Make it tonight for a delicious family dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 542 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 recipe Basil Lemon Chicken
• 12 oz. cherry tomatoes
• 1 small zucchini halved and sliced
• 1/2 bunch asparagus ends trimmed, cut into 1” pieces
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound linguine or thin spaghetti
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (you will not use all of it)
• 1 small red onion chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon oregano finely chopped fresh
• 1 teaspoon oregano dried
• 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1/4 cup parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup basil chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated or more to taste
• 1 serving bacon crumbled (optional)

Instructions

 

• Marinate chicken according to your recipe directions.
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Add vegetables, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper to a baking sheet and toss to combine. Line vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente in generously salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before you drain pasta.
• Remove chicken from marinade and grill or cook indoors by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes or until well browned on one side. Flip chicken over, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
• Add red onion to the same skillet chicken was cooked in and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
• Add red onion to the cooked pasta, along with thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and roasted vegetables. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency. Add desired amount of Parmesan.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
• Tip 2: Pound the chicken for even cooking.
• Tip 3: Don’t marinate the chicken for too long.
• Tip 4: Use reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
• Tip 5: Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking.

Keyword easy dinner recipes, Italian pasta recipes, lemon chicken pasta, spring pasta dishes

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!