Do Share Recipe

Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe | Zesty & Delicious

I still remember the first time I made this lemon chicken pasta recipe, and honestly, it instantly became one of my favorites. I was craving something fresh but comforting, and this dish delivered both perfectly. The bright lemon flavor combined with juicy chicken and tender pasta felt light yet satisfying.

I loved how quickly everything came together without sacrificing taste. After one bite, I knew this was a recipe I’d be making again and again. You can also enjoy similar comforting baked treats like Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a cozy night.

Ingredients

10 ounces linguini – a sturdy pasta that holds up well and absorbs the sauce beautifull
2 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics evenly
5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped – fresh garlic gives stronger flavor than jarred
1 shallot, roughly chopped – milder and slightly sweet compared to onion
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced – adds deep, earthy flavor
6 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced – balances the dish with extra umami
1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – thighs stay juicy and tender while cooking
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – adds gentle heat without overpowering the dish
1 bunch chives, snipped – brings a fresh, mild onion flavor
1 lemon, zested and juiced – fresh lemon is essential for bright, clean flavor
Handful of shredded Italian blend cheese – freshly shredded melts smoother
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper – enhances every ingredient

Note: This recipe serves 4 people. You can also enjoy a savory twist on chicken with Green Chile and Pepper Jack Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize depending on your needs:

Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese and finish with a drizzle of olive oil or dairy-free parmesan.
Extra vegetables: Add baby spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
Protein swap: Shrimp or grilled salmon work beautifully instead of chicken.
Extra flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine while sautéing the mushrooms.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot: For boiling pasta evenly
Colander: To drain pasta properly
Large skillet: For cooking chicken and sauce together
Tongs or pasta spoon: Helps toss pasta without breaking it

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps and minimal prep.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguini until al dente. I always reserve a little pasta water just in case I need to loosen the sauce later. Drain and set aside while preparing the rest.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, shallot, and both types of mushrooms. Cook until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Stir gently so the chicken stays juicy.

Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon zest, lemon juice, and chives. Toss everything together until well combined. Sprinkle in the cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here’s what I’ve learned:

I always zest the lemon before juicing to get maximum flavor.
I let the chicken brown slightly before stirring for better texture.
I taste at the end and adjust lemon or salt — it makes a big difference.
I use freshly grated cheese because it melts smoother and tastes better.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This dish looks just as good as it tastes:

Serve hot in wide bowls for easy twirling.
Garnish with extra chives or parsley for freshness.
Add lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Finish with freshly grated parmesan right before serving.

It pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot per serving:

Calories: Approximately 610 kcal
Protein: Around 30 g
Carbohydrates: About 62 g
Fat: Roughly 27 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors blend even more overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. This keeps the pasta from drying out and maintains texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta and lemon sauce may separate and lose quality after thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons this recipe is a favorite:

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep.
Bright and fresh: Lemon keeps the dish light and flavorful.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins or vegetables.
Comforting yet light: Feels indulgent without being heavy.
Crowd-friendly: Works well for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ben Carraoli