If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bright flavors and rich, comforting textures, the Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant pasta combines tender chicken strips seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic alongside a luxuriously creamy sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet fresh, ideal for weeknights when you want something quick but impressive. Every bite delivers that beautiful, zesty punch complemented by the smooth Parmesan creaminess, making this recipe an instant favorite in my kitchen—and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making the Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe so delightful. Each item plays a vital role, from building flavor layers to creating a satisfying, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Here’s what to have on hand:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti): Pick your favorite shape to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Chicken strips cook evenly and quickly while soaking up seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning: The star seasoning that gives the dish its signature zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with a mild garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of background heat.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with vibrant, aromatic layers.
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon: Provides the unmistakable zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps form the sauce base.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes this pasta irresistibly smooth.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for rich, nutty depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Make it visually stunning and add a fresh scent at serving.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. This step is crucial to get just the right texture so the noodles hold the luscious sauce without becoming mushy. Before draining, save a 1/4 cup of pasta water—it’s magic for loosening the sauce later and helps everything cling beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss your chicken strips with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook it for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once so it browns evenly and locks in all those tangy and savory flavors. Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you create the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Reduce your skillet’s heat to medium, then add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Then pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld into a silky, vibrant sauce.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Combine
Once the sauce has warmed through, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and glossy. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together with ease, adding the reserved pasta water a splash at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and create that perfect coating on every bite.
How to Serve Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a lovely herby note and pops of bright green color that brighten the presentation. Don’t forget a few lemon slices nestled on the side or on top to make it look inviting and to hint at that zesty lemon flavor inside.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed asparagus. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the creamy notes wonderfully, rounding out the meal with texture and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the pasta in individual bowls topped with a lemon twist and extra Parmesan. You can also serve it family-style in a large serving dish and let everyone heap their plates. Adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can give the dish an extra pop that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain the creaminess and bright lemon flavors without drying out.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal due to the cream sauce, which can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, use freezer-safe airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring often to bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating if you can, as it can make the cream sauce grainy or cause the chicken to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully with this sauce. Choose the shape that you love most or have on hand.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a lighter cream option to cut down on fat while still keeping the sauce creamy and rich enough to coat the pasta perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, asparagus, or broccoli make great additions that boost the nutrition and add vibrant color and texture to the pasta.
What if I want to use grilled chicken instead of stovetop cooked chicken?
Grilled chicken works beautifully and adds a smoky depth to the dish. Just slice it into strips and toss with the sauce and pasta at the end.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative along with nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor but maintain richness.
Final Thoughts
This Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite for anyone craving a balance of bright, tangy lemon flavor and comforting creaminess. It’s remarkable how such simple ingredients deliver a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to pull together. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing it as I do—it’s truly a recipe that brings warmth and zest to any mealtime!
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Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta features tender strips of chicken seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic, tossed in a creamy lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese, and served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken strips with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- Add sautéed spinach, asparagus, or broccoli to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.
- This recipe works well with grilled chicken or shrimp as an alternative protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
