Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cooked pasta: This is the base of the dish, giving it a comforting and filling texture.

Chicken breasts: Stripped and cooked, chicken adds protein and makes the meal hearty.

Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and garlic, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic taste that pairs well with the herbs.

Lemon zest: The outer peel of the lemon, it adds a bright, citrusy flavor without the sourness.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the dish a tangy, refreshing kick.

Dried oregano: This herb adds a slightly peppery and earthy flavor.

Dried basil: Basil brings a sweet and slightly minty taste that complements the lemon.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.

Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish.

Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, green note and a pop of color.

One of the key moves in this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta recipe is cooking the chicken strips just right in the skillet. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan, but not so hot that it smokes.
2. Add the chicken strips in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—if the pieces are too close, they’ll steam instead of brown.
3. Let the chicken cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes. This helps it get a nice golden color.
4. Flip the strips and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Doing this makes the chicken juicy and gives it a tasty browned outside that adds flavor to the whole dish. If you rush and stir too much, the chicken won’t brown well and can end up a bit dry or rubbery.

When I first tried this, I kept poking the chicken to check if it was done, and it stuck to the pan a lot. I learned that if you wait until it naturally releases from the pan, it’s ready to flip. Also, using strips instead of whole breasts helps them cook faster and more evenly, which is a little shortcut I love when I’m hungry and want dinner on the table quickly.

Once your chicken is cooked perfectly, adding the garlic, lemon zest, and herbs right after lets all those fresh flavors soak into the warm chicken. That’s what makes this pasta taste so bright and fresh!

• 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.

• 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.

• Stovetop method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter.
  2. Once heated, add the leftover Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta to the skillet.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if it seems dry.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the pasta and chicken are warmed through.
  5. Sprinkle with a bit more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving to refresh the flavors.

• Oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
  5. Once heated, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly crisp the top.
  6. Garnish with extra lemon zest and parmesan cheese before serving.

• Microwave method:

  1. Place the Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through.
  6. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

• 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.

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.