Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta is a refreshing and light pasta dish packed with shredded chicken and vibrant lemon flavor. This quick and easy dinner idea is perfect for busy nights and tastes just as delicious as leftovers. It’s called 10 Minute Lemon Chicken Pasta because it cooks in just 10 minutes, plus about 10 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This simple yet flavorful recipe quickly became a favorite. With the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein, it makes a complete meal in one dish.
Pasta: Use any pasta you have available. Gemelli is a great choice, or you can make homemade pasta for a unique twist.
Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic cloves are recommended for the best flavor. Skip the jarred garlic unless it’s of high quality.
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works well, but you can also use pre-shredded chicken from the deli, drained chunk chicken, canned chicken, or grilled chicken.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pasta?
Absolutely! For extra vegetables in the pasta, add cut-up asparagus, peas, or corn. Garnish with diced fresh tomatoes for added color and flavor.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Pasta
To store leftover pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16-ounce box / 450 grams) Gemelli pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups (340 grams) rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ¼ cup (60 grams) lemon juice, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup (240 grams) heavy whipping cream
- 1 ¼ cups (125 grams) parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered (for squeezing over the dish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions (about 10-12 minutes).
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add lemon juice, heavy whipping cream, shredded chicken, and black pepper. Cook until heated through (about 5 minutes).
Finish the Dish:
- Add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Top with the remaining parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon over individual servings.
Enjoy this Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta for a quick, delicious, and refreshing meal!
