This Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and refreshing meal featuring tender chicken in a zesty lemon pepper sauce, tossed with pasta for a simple yet delicious dinner. The fresh lemon adds a tangy kick, while the pepper seasoning gives it the perfect spice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2 minutes.

4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. If you’d like a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated parmesan (if desired). Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 30g

• Sodium: 500mg

Why Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try Dish

Lemon pepper seasoning is a classic flavor profile that enhances the taste of chicken, making it a natural pairing with pasta. The zesty and aromatic lemon balances the heat from the pepper, creating a flavor that’s both fresh and satisfying. The addition of garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice helps build a flavorful base for the sauce that coats the pasta and chicken. The result is a dish that’s both light and comforting at the same time.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can make it as light or rich as you prefer by adjusting the sauce. If you want a creamy texture, simply add heavy cream for a luscious finish. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the cream and rely on the chicken broth to bring depth to the sauce. Whether you opt for a richer or lighter version, this Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta can be customized to suit your tastes, making it adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.

The Key Ingredients and Their Flavor Profiles

The key ingredients in Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta all work together to create a well-rounded dish. The chicken, cut into strips, is seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning, which provides a perfect blend of zesty lemon and peppery heat. The chicken is browned in olive oil, which helps create a delicious, savory crust, while keeping the meat tender on the inside.

Pasta serves as the hearty base of this dish, with options like spaghetti or penne providing the perfect texture to absorb the sauce. The reserved pasta water, when added to the sauce, helps create a silky consistency that ensures every bite is well-coated.

The garlic adds an aromatic foundation to the sauce, complementing the bright acidity of the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Chicken broth helps to form the liquid base of the sauce, while a touch of heavy cream can be added for a creamy, velvety finish. Fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese offer a finishing touch, providing a burst of freshness and richness that elevates the dish.

How to Perfect the Chicken in Zesty Lemon Pepper Pasta

To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s important to properly cook the chicken. Cutting the chicken breasts into strips ensures that they cook quickly and evenly. Seasoning the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt is key to imparting the bright, bold flavors that make this dish so special.

When cooking the chicken, be sure to use medium heat to avoid overcooking the meat. You want the chicken to brown on the outside, which adds flavor through caramelization, but still remain juicy on the inside. It should take about 6-8 minutes to cook the chicken strips through. Once the chicken is browned and cooked through, set it aside and use the same skillet to make the sauce, ensuring that all the flavorful brown bits left in the pan are incorporated into the sauce.

Creating the Sauce: A Perfect Balance of Tang and Creaminess

The sauce in Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is simple but full of flavor. Start by sautéing garlic in the same pan used to cook the chicken. This helps infuse the garlic into the remaining oil and chicken drippings, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.

Next, add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any caramelized bits of chicken. This will deepen the flavor of the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in heavy cream at this stage. The cream adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it a comforting addition to the pasta. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the cream and let the chicken broth remain the base of the sauce, which will keep it light yet flavorful.

Once the sauce is simmering, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pasta. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust the sauce’s consistency. The pasta water contains starch, which helps bind the sauce to the pasta, ensuring a creamy, flavorful coating in every bite.

Perfect Pairings for Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve the pasta with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, which complement the lemony flavors of the dish. The slight bitterness of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon pepper sauce.

For a more indulgent option, you can serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky bread will soak up the flavorful sauce and add a comforting touch to the meal.

Nutritional Information for Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is not only a delicious meal but also a relatively healthy option compared to other pasta dishes. Each serving contains 400 calories, with 14 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat. The dish provides 45 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of sugar. With 30 grams of protein, this pasta is a great source of lean protein, making it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.

The sodium content is 500 milligrams per serving, which can be adjusted based on your preference by choosing a low-sodium chicken broth or reducing the amount of added salt. If you add grated parmesan cheese, it will contribute additional sodium and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and perfectly seasoned pasta makes it a refreshing option that is both light and satisfying. The versatile sauce can be made creamy or light depending on your preference, and the dish can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or looking for a quick weeknight meal, Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta is sure to be a hit. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to pair with a variety of sides, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious and satisfying pasta meal.