Description
Bright Lemon Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, mini farfalle, zucchini, yellow squash, parmesan, butter, garlic, and fresh lemon. Ready in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
16 oz (454 g) mini farfalle pasta, or other bite-size pasta
2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp garlic powder, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
1/2 tsp onion powder
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter (57 g)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60 g)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (95 g)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15 g)
Extra parmesan, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, lemon zest, half the garlic powder, half the Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
6. Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
7. Cook the zucchini and yellow squash with the remaining garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for about 2 minutes.
8. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
9. Add the cooked pasta, butter, and lemon juice.
10. Toss until the butter melts and coats the pasta.
11. Mix in the parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
12. Slice the chicken, return it to the skillet, and toss everything together.
13. Finish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
Cook pasta only to al dente so it keeps its texture after mixing with the sauce.
Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and melts more smoothly.
Zest the lemon before juicing it.
Avoid overcooking the vegetables. Keep them slightly crisp for freshness and texture.
For best make-ahead texture, prepare components separately and combine before serving.
This dish can also be served chilled as a pasta salad with a drizzle of extra olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving