This lemon herb chicken spaghetti dish is simple yet bright, combining tender chicken with flavorful herbs and zesty lemon. It’s everyone’s favorite around here, especially on busy nights when I need something quick and tasty!
This Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta addresses challenges of blandness and dryness, providing a flavorful and satisfying meal in minimal time.
I’ve had my fair share of dinner rushes where I ended up scrambling to feed everyone. This recipe solves that problem, ensuring a satisfying meal comes together in about 35 minutes without a lot of fuss. Plus, the combination of lemon and herbs really adds a lovely touch that makes it stand out!
What I love about this recipe is how the warm, hearty spaghetti melds with juicy chicken and fresh ingredients, making for a fulfilling dish that never feels heavy. In just 10 minutes of prep and a quick cook time, you’ll have a bowl of goodness that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
If you love pasta dishes, don’t miss my Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs for another family-friendly meal!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Balance , The bright acidity from lemon juice perfectly complements the savory notes from garlic and fresh basil. Each herb in this dish amps up the freshness, leaving your taste buds feeling satisfied.
- Cooking Time , You can whip this dish up in about 35 minutes. With a quick prep of 10 minutes and a 25-minute cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade.
- Hearty Yet Light , The chicken tenders stay juicy while the spaghetti and tomatoes add a nice contrast of texture. This meal feels substantial without weighing you down.
- Meal Flexibility , This lemon herb chicken spaghetti is easily adaptable. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta types, making it a great base for whatever you have on hand.
Lemon Herb Chicken Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious lemon herb chicken spaghetti recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) spaghetti, high-quality durum wheat recommended
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders, boneless, skinless
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups (300 g) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, fresh
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water for later use. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken tenders dry and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook about 5-7 minutes per side until browned and no longer pink inside. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add diced tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained spaghetti, chopped fresh basil, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Toss to combine thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For better crust on chicken, pat tenders dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
- Add garlic just 30 seconds before the tomatoes to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, adding one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If chicken is underseasoned, sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper during cooking for even flavor distribution.
- To prevent spaghetti from sticking, toss briefly with a splash of olive oil after draining.
- Reheat leftovers thoroughly in a skillet or microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add reserved pasta water or a splash of olive oil if needed to maintain sauce consistency.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or gluten-free rolls for a complementary side.
- Pair with fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves.
- A squeeze of extra lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil can brighten flavors just before serving.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta of choice to accommodate gluten sensitivity or dietary preference.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during sautéing for added nutrition and texture.
- Use fresh or dried herbs; fresh basil and parsley are preferred for optimal flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts.
- For a pasta bake, transfer the combined ingredients to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness. Look for a plump texture and avoid any discoloration.
- Lemon: Fresh, juicy lemons add vibrancy and brightness to the dish. Make sure they feel heavy for their size, which usually indicates juiciness.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and adds healthy fats. It should have a rich, fruity aroma, avoid any oil with a rancid smell!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic punch! Try to pick firm bulbs with tight skin; they’ll have more flavor and be less likely to sprout.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and basil work wonders here. Make sure to choose vibrant, perky leaves that aren’t wilted for the best flavor. Dried herbs can substitute, but fresh is always better!
- Spaghetti: Use a high-quality brand for better texture and flavor. Look for spaghetti made from durum wheat for a firmer, more resilient noodle that holds sauce well.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan adds a savory richness. Opt for a block you can grate yourself, as pre-grated often contains anti-caking additives that dull flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness. Look for a plump texture and avoid any discoloration.
- Lemon: Fresh, juicy lemons add vibrancy and brightness to the dish. Make sure they feel heavy for their size, which usually indicates juiciness.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and adds healthy fats. It should have a rich, fruity aroma, avoid any oil with a rancid smell!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic punch! Try to pick firm bulbs with tight skin; they’ll have more flavor and be less likely to sprout.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and basil work wonders here. Make sure to choose vibrant, perky leaves that aren’t wilted for the best flavor. Dried herbs can substitute, but fresh is always better!
- Spaghetti: Use a high-quality brand for better texture and flavor. Look for spaghetti made from durum wheat for a firmer, more resilient noodle that holds sauce well.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan adds a savory richness. Opt for a block you can grate yourself, as pre-grated often contains anti-caking additives that dull flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If your chicken isn’t browning, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a good crust during cooking.
- When garlic starts to burn, it can ruin the dish. Add minced garlic 30 seconds before the tomatoes to preserve its flavor.
- If you find your pasta sauce too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, after mixing ingredients until the desired consistency is reached.
- For underseasoned chicken, sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper while cooking for an even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
- If your spaghetti is sticky, toss it with a splash of olive oil after draining, helping to keep the strands separate and more appetizing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon herb chicken spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or gluten-free rolls for a savory experience. A fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing or steamed vegetables complements this dish well.
Add to make a pasta bake or lemon chicken stir-fry for diverse meals. Use leftovers in a vegetable medley or as a filling for wraps.
Top with parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish’s brightness.
Recipe variations
- You can use gluten-free spaghetti if preferred, adjusting cooking time to package instructions to maintain the al dente texture suited for this lemon herb chicken spaghetti.
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with ½ cup of chopped fresh basil to the skillet along with pasta for refreshing, aromatic flavor layers in the dish.
- Either chicken breasts or tenders work well here; just make sure the chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F before combining with pasta and sauce.
- If serving more than four, double the ingredients, including 16 oz spaghetti and 2 pounds chicken tenders; cook chicken in batches to avoid crowding the skillet and uneven cooking.
- This lemon herb chicken spaghetti pairs nicely with an easy garlic bread recipe to round out the meal in a satisfying way.
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How to Store?
To keep your lemon herb chicken spaghetti fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container and keep at room temperature up to 1 day. Avoid heat and direct sunlight exposure.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to 165°F.
Freezing: Transfer into a freezer-safe container or bag; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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