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
