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A vibrant plate of Fresh and Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon slices, and al dente pasta garnished with fresh herbs.

Fresh and Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta

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Fresh and Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and healthy recipe that combines tender chicken, vibrant lemon flavors, and al dente pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish offers a refreshing citrus taste with minimal effort, making it an ideal wholesome meal for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz of short pasta such as penne or linguine
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (~30 seconds). Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
  5. Add cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for optimal tang and flavor.
  • Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to enhance health benefits.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and freshness.
  • Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and extra freshness.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of water or lemon juice to preserve moisture.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups)
  • Calories: 410 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg