Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta – Zesty, Juicy & One-Pan Dinner!
A quick one-pan zesty chicken pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals, this recipe combines juicy chicken, fragrant pasta, and a bright herb-lemon sauce in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), diced
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice/zest. Simmer briefly.
- Stir in pasta, let cook per package instructions (absorb broth).
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Add lemon zest at serving for extra brightness.
Avoid overcrowding pan for proper chicken browning.
Use heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme) enhance flavor.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add red pepper flakes for spice.
Avoid overcrowding pan for proper chicken browning.
Use heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme) enhance flavor.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add red pepper flakes for spice.