Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this lemon herb chicken pasta. This dish combines the zesty freshness of lemon with aromatic herbs, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. The tender chicken strips are infused with the tangy lemon juice and complemented by the savory notes of oregano and basil. Topped with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this pasta dish is sure to impress.
While most ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up fresh parsley and a lemon if they aren't already in your kitchen. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that dried herbs can't quite replicate, while the lemon provides both zest and juice for a refreshing citrus flavor. Ensure you have parmesan cheese on hand as well, as it adds a rich, savory finish to the dish.
Ingredients For Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta
Pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that is cut into strips and cooked until tender.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adding a subtle richness.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Lemon zest: Provides a bright and citrusy aroma.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy and refreshing flavor.
Oregano: A dried herb that adds a warm and slightly bitter taste.
Basil: A dried herb that contributes a sweet and peppery flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a rich and savory finish.
Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright and fresh garnish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, consider marinating it in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a deeper citrus and herb flavor, making each bite more delicious. Additionally, when zesting the lemon, be sure to only grate the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative that offer a similar texture to pasta and absorb flavors well.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable substitute.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent and more concentrated, so use sparingly.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest offers a citrusy aroma and flavor similar to lemon zest, though slightly more tart.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, though with a slightly different flavor profile.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, making it a good alternative to oregano.
dried basil - Substitute with dried tarragon: Dried tarragon has a sweet, anise-like flavor that can mimic the sweetness of basil.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of color.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder and less pungent.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.
chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, vibrant flavor similar to parsley, though with a slightly different taste.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the lemon herb chicken pasta to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the pasta soggy.
Transfer the pasta into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the pasta snugly to minimize air exposure.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the pasta within 3-4 days. The cool temperature will keep the chicken fresh and the herbs flavorful.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the pasta has been stored, ensuring you enjoy it at its best.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the pasta and chicken.
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of lemon juice to refresh the flavors and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese and parsley to revive the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method:
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter.
- Once heated, add the leftover Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if it seems dry.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the pasta and chicken are warmed through.
- Sprinkle with a bit more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving to refresh the flavors.
Oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
- Once heated, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly crisp the top.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest and parmesan cheese before serving.
Microwave method:
- Place the Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
- Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Essential Tools for Preparing This Dish
Pot: Used for boiling and cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta after boiling.
Skillet: Used for cooking the chicken strips and combining all the ingredients.
Tongs: Helpful for tossing the pasta with the chicken and other ingredients in the skillet.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the garlic and other seasonings into the chicken.
Zester: Needed for zesting the lemon to add a fresh citrus flavor to the dish.
Juicer: Handy for extracting freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper accurately.
Grater: Required for grating the parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the fresh parsley and cutting the chicken into strips.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add them to the skillet when you're ready to make the dish.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Cook pasta ahead: Prepare the pasta a day before and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Lemon juice in a bottle: Use bottled lemon juice to skip the squeezing step, ensuring you still get that fresh citrus flavor.
Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 lemon Lemon Zest zested
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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