Lemon Pepper Chicken with Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that brings together zesty citrus, cracked black pepper, and tender chicken breast over a bed of buttery garlic-lemon spaghetti. Light yet satisfying, this pasta is perfect for spring and summer meals, quick weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving a refreshing twist on comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavor. The cracked black pepper adds a warm bite that balances beautifully with the fresh, tangy lemon. The garlic-infused buttery sauce lightly coats the pasta without being heavy, and the juicy chicken makes it a wholesome, protein-rich meal. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and looks as good as it tastes, making it a reliable choice for both casual family dinners and relaxed entertaining.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- olive oil
- butter
- garlic cloves, minced
- lemon zest
- lemon juice
- freshly cracked black pepper
- salt
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- chopped parsley (for garnish)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
directions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and cracked black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and an extra pinch of cracked black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Slice the rested chicken and place over the pasta.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 480 kcal
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, asparagus, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for dietary needs.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the pasta and maintain the sauce’s texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even heating. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh lemon and pasta texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, simply reheat sliced pre-cooked chicken and add it to the pasta just before serving.
What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Spaghetti or angel hair are ideal for soaking up the light lemon sauce, but linguine or fettuccine also work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them before serving. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
It can be stored and reheated easily, making it suitable for lunch or dinner meal prep.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Omit the Parmesan and use a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I substitute lime for lemon?
Lime will work in a pinch, though it gives a slightly different flavor—more tart and less aromatic than lemon.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more juiciness and flavor if preferred.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, pasta water helps create a silky sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What herbs go well with this dish?
Parsley is classic, but fresh basil, thyme, or chives also pair beautifully with lemon and pepper.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Pasta is a light, vibrant meal that combines the brightness of citrus with the warmth of black pepper and garlic. With tender chicken and a buttery lemon sauce, this recipe offers a fresh take on pasta that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, it’s a dish that brings bold flavor with minimal fuss.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken with Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken with Pasta is a light, bright, and flavorful meal featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breast, spaghetti or angel hair pasta, and a buttery lemon-garlic sauce. With fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper, it’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or springtime comfort dish.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season chicken breasts with salt and cracked pepper on both sides.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in lemon zest, juice, and a little more cracked pepper.
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Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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Slice chicken and place on top of the pasta.
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Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
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Add steamed asparagus, peas, or spinach for a veggie boost.
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Make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream with the butter.
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Great with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta / Chicken
- Method: Stovetop / Sautéed
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
