Lemon Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Tender, golden chicken tossed with sautéed zucchini and pasta in a light lemon-garlic sauce. Finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish is fresh, creamy-without-cream, and deeply satisfying.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: ~30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
250 g (8–9 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
To Finish
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
Season chicken with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the zucchini
In the same skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
Add zucchini and sauté 3–4 minutes until tender but not mushy.
4. Build the sauce
Lower heat. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, butter (if using), and a splash of pasta water.
Stir to create a light sauce.
5. Combine
Add pasta, chicken, and Parmesan. Toss gently, adding more pasta water if needed until glossy and coated.
6. Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with herbs and extra Parmesan.
🌟 Tips for Best Results
Slice chicken thin for faster, juicier cooking.
Don’t overcook zucchini—it should stay slightly crisp.
Lemon zest adds aroma; juice adds brightness—use both.
🔄 Variations
Creamy version: Add ¼ cup cream or Greek yogurt at the end
Mediterranean twist: Add olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes
Extra veg: Toss in spinach or peas at the end
Low-carb: Swap half the pasta for spiralized zucchini
❓ Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes—boneless thighs are extra juicy. Add 1–2 minutes cook time.
Is this spicy?
No, it’s bright and mild. Add chili flakes only if you want heat.
Can I make it ahead?
Best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of water.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g