Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s equal parts bright and comforting, look no further than this Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta. Tender strips of juicy chicken, a creamy lemon-kissed sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles all come together in under 30 minutes for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet is completely attainable on a busy weeknight. Every twirl of pasta is infused with bold lemon flavor and a peppery aroma that’ll wake up your senses. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave every time you want something fresh, satisfying, and effortless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta couldn’t be easier, and each one brings something essential to the party. From the sharpness of fresh lemon and pepper, to the creamy richness and savory notes, these simple kitchen staples create a dish bursting with vibrant flavor.
- Pasta (8 oz penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape—these noodles soak up that lovely lemony sauce beautifully.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, sliced): Sliced into strips for quick cooking and maximum surface area for seasoning.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds a fruity, rich base for cooking and keeps the chicken extra moist.
- Butter (1 tbsp): For a velvety mouthfeel and extra depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning (2 tsp): The true star here—provides zingy citrus and a peppery punch.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses the chicken with a mellow, savory aroma.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Pulls all the flavors together and brightens every bite.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): For a fresh, spicy finish.
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Sautéed for an irresistible burst of flavor that melds perfectly with the lemon.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): De-glazes the pan and builds a savory foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luscious and rich, balancing all that citrusy brightness.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Delivers pure, vibrant lemon flavor without extra acidity.
- Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Adds bold, fresh tang to the entire dish.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for savory, salty goodness.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings a pop of color and herbal freshness right at the end.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your penne or fettuccine according to the package directions until just al dente—it should have a little bite so it soaks up the creamy lemon pepper sauce perfectly without getting mushy. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water, just in case you want to thin out your sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken strips thoroughly with lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and a dash of black pepper. This is when the magic starts—the seasoning will infuse right into the chicken as it cooks. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and let it sizzle away for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside once it’s done, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pan.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In that same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for only about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned, so it doesn’t turn bitter. This quick step overlays a wonderful garlicky aroma that becomes the backbone of your Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized morsels stuck to the pan—they’re flavor gold! Next, add the heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, and juice. Give it a good stir, then let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together. Now, stir in the Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into a silky, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return both the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together with tongs, ensuring every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious, zesty lemon pepper sauce. Let it cook for another couple of minutes so everything comes up to temperature, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley does wonders here, adding a pop of color and a touch of freshness that brightens the whole bowl. You can also grate a bit more Parmesan over the top and, if you really want to celebrate the lemony notes, add a few curls of lemon zest right before serving. Your Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta will look and taste like it came straight from a cozy trattoria!
Side Dishes
This pasta is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think arugula or mixed lettuce tossed with a simple vinaigrette. If you’re feeling classic, a warm piece of garlic bread to mop up extra sauce is always a crowd pleaser. Roasted broccoli or asparagus will add a lovely veggie boost alongside the creamy, tangy flavors of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, twirl servings of pasta into little nests on each plate, topped with extra sliced chicken and an artful sprinkle of herbs. You could also serve the Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta family-style in a big serving bowl for a homey, inviting feel—perfect for sharing at the dinner table. To switch things up, add grilled shrimp or stir in some baby spinach for a jazzed-up twist that’s just as refreshing and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat!
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes can be a bit tricky to freeze, you can absolutely freeze this one for future cravings. Just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Expect the texture to be slightly softer upon thawing, but the bright, lemony flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess of the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch; just cover the pasta with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine grab onto the sauce nicely, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even short shapes like rigatoni. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like olive oil and coconut or oat cream. Substitute a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or use nutritional yeast to maintain that savory note in the sauce.
What protein swaps work well in this recipe?
Shrimp is a fantastic substitute for chicken in Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta, lending the dish a seafood vibe that pairs perfectly with lemon. Tofu works well too for a vegetarian version—just pan-sear cubes until golden and proceed with the recipe as written.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, while steamed broccoli, asparagus tips, or peas make great additions. Adding veggies not only bulks up the meal, but also brings extra color and nutrition.
How do I make the dish extra lemony?
To amp up the lemon factor, simply add more fresh lemon juice or zest to the sauce right before serving. You could also try a bit of preserved lemon for a more intense citrus experience—it’s all about what makes your taste buds sing!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a bowl of Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta—it’s bold, bright, and unforgettably comforting. If you’re looking for a meal to perk up your week and put a little sunshine on your dinner table, you truly can’t go wrong with this one. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to pasta night favorite!
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Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful dish with this Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken strips and al dente pasta are coated in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s sure to impress. With hints of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish is a perfect balance of freshness and richness.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken strips and cook until browned. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for variety.
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Adjust lemon juice for more tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
