Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available components, promising a wholesome meal with minimal fuss. Ensure you have everything prepped and measured before you begin cooking to make the process even smoother.

• 16 oz rotini pasta: Or any other short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Long pastas like fettuccine or spaghetti also work wonderfully.
• 1 medium zucchini, cubed: Look for firm, bright green zucchini. Cubing ensures even cooking and easy incorporation into the pasta.
• 1 medium yellow squash, cubed: Similar to zucchini, choose a firm and vibrant yellow squash.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add a subtle richness to the initial cooking of the chicken.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter is key for the rich, velvety sauce. Dividing it allows you to use some for searing the chicken and the rest for the luxurious sauce.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed: Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, but this is a good starting point for seasoning both the chicken and vegetables.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Contributes a foundational garlic flavor that complements the fresh minced garlic.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory depth without the texture of fresh onion.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, enhancing the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Boosts the herbaceous notes and pairs beautifully with lemon.
• 1 large lemon, juiced (about 2-3 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for that bright, zesty kick that balances the butter. You can also grate some zest for an extra burst of lemon aroma.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Roughly 3-4 cloves, providing a punch of fresh garlic flavor to the sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and offer superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. Plus, extra for serving!
• Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness. Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Substitution Tip: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and consider adding white beans, chickpeas, or more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach during the sautéing step. The lemon butter sauce is incredibly versatile!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta. This recipe is designed to be efficient, largely utilizing the same pot to minimize cleanup while building layers of incredible flavor.

1. Cook the Pasta

   Begin by filling a large pot with water. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rapid, rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta from within, then add the rotini pasta (or your chosen pasta shape). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente—meaning firm to the bite, but cooked through. Before draining, carefully scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside; this will be crucial for creating a luscious, emulsified sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander and set it aside. Ensure it’s well-drained to avoid diluting the sauce later.

   Chef’s Note: The reserved pasta water is your secret ingredient! The starches in it help to thicken and bind the sauce, creating a wonderfully smooth and cohesive texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.

2. Sear the Chicken

   Using the same pot you just used for the pasta (there’s no need to wash it yet, as the residual starch will add to the flavor), return it to the stove over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of the divided butter. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken breast to the hot pot. Season the chicken evenly with half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly cooked through, no longer pink, and beautifully golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a clean plate; set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

   Pro Tip: To achieve a good sear on the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pot. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in two batches to ensure proper browning rather than steaming. This step is vital for developing rich flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables and Build the Sauce Base

   In the very same pot, with any delicious browned bits and drippings remaining from the chicken (these are flavor gold!), add the cubed zucchini and yellow squash. Add the remaining half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Stir everything together well to coat the vegetables in the seasonings. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite and not become mushy.

   Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the minced garlic. Stir everything together well, allowing the butter to melt and the garlic to become wonderfully fragrant (this usually takes about 1 minute—be careful not to burn the garlic). Finally, pour in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water. Stir continuously as the sauce base begins to form, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which will enrich the flavor of your sauce significantly.

4. Combine and Finish

   Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and the nascent sauce. Add the drained pasta as well. Give everything a good, thorough stir to ensure that the pasta, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated in the fragrant lemon-butter sauce. Allow this mixture to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the pasta to absorb some of the delicious sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and created a creamy, cohesive, and irresistible sauce. The heat from the pasta and sauce will quickly melt the cheese into a luxurious consistency.

   Serve your Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pot!

Recipe Video

Watch the full cooking process for this delicious Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta to guide you through each step and ensure perfect results. This video is part of a series showcasing easy, flavorful family meals, and will help you visualize the techniques described above.

Note: This video may feature several recipes; please fast forward to the timestamp provided (4:07) for the specific Lemon Butter Chicken with Pasta dish.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for your Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta. Please note that these values are automatically calculated and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and preparation methods. Use this information as a general guide rather than precise dietary advice.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. For precise dietary planning or if you have specific health concerns, consult a certified nutritionist or healthcare professional.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe & Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta isn’t just another meal; it’s a vibrant experience that brings joy to your dinner table with minimal effort. The bright tang of fresh lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of butter and savory chicken, while the garlic ties all the flavors into a harmonious symphony. The addition of zucchini and yellow squash ensures you get a delightful texture contrast and a boost of fresh vegetables, making this a balanced and wholesome meal. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavors.

It’s incredibly versatile too! Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or fresh spinach. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a touch of heat, or a dash of white wine can be added to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity. This dish is truly a chameleon, adapting effortlessly to your preferences and what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a hungry family, this recipe scales beautifully and consistently delivers outstanding flavor and satisfaction.

Serve this delightful pasta dish on its own for a complete meal, or complement it with a fresh, crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, and some crusty garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta, a true winner for any occasion!