Description
This easy Lemon Chicken Pasta is bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Tender seasoned chicken, bite-size pasta, zucchini, and yellow squash are tossed in a buttery lemon garlic sauce with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delicious and easy meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini farfalle pasta, or your favorite bite-size pasta
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and the onion powder.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while it rests.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt, pepper, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the hot cooked pasta to the skillet along with the butter and fresh lemon juice. Toss until the butter has melted and everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Chop the rested chicken into bite-size pieces and return it to the pan. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has better flavor and texture than powdered or pre-shredded cheese. It also melts more smoothly into the warm pasta.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this dish its bright, fresh flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely flavor that dried parsley cannot quite match.
- Vegetables: Replace the zucchini and yellow squash with broccoli, asparagus, spinach, or another favorite vegetable.
- Pasta: Any bite-size pasta shape works well in this recipe.
- Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired