Chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic is a dish that always takes me back to my childhood kitchen in Bologna. My mom often made quick pastas with fresh ingredients like tender chicken, garlic, lemon, and basil. Over time, I adapted this simple recipe and it became one of my favorite meals to share with friends.
When I first cooked it in my small apartment, the bright flavors and comforting aroma filled the room. It quickly became my go-to dish for relaxed dinners with good company. Today, I will show you how to prepare this easy, flavorful pasta so you can enjoy it too.
How to Make Chicken Pasta with Basil Lemon and Garlic
Choosing the right pasta and fresh ingredients
For this pasta, I usually reach for spaghetti or linguine, though penne or fusilli also work well. The shape matters less than using good pasta cooked to a perfect bite. As for the ingredients, keep them simple and fresh. You want juicy lemons, bright green basil, plump chicken breasts, and good olive oil. Garlic should be fresh, not the pre-minced kind. This dish is all about balance, and starting with quality makes all the difference.
Step-by-step method for perfect lemony pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture. Save some of the pasta water before draining, as it helps blend everything later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a generous swirl of olive oil in a wide pan. Add thinly sliced garlic and let it soften gently. You do not want it brown, just fragrant. Next, add strips of chicken breast and cook them until they are golden outside and tender inside.
Once the chicken is ready, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and give it a good stir. Add the drained pasta to the pan and pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir and shake the pan so the pasta drinks up that bright lemon and garlic flavor. Finally, scatter in torn basil leaves and a little grated lemon zest. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Now the pasta is ready to serve, light and full of flavor. In the next section, I will share some of my favorite sides and pairings to go along with it.
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Easy Chicken Pasta with Basil Lemon and Garlic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A bright and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with garlic, lemon, basil, and tender chicken tossed with pasta.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Juice of 1–2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chicken slices and cook until golden and cooked through.
4. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir to combine with the chicken.
5. Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Add lemon zest and torn basil leaves. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with optional Parmesan on top.
Notes
Use more lemon juice if you like it extra zesty.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast.
Leftovers make a great pasta salad the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Tips for Flavor and Pairings
What goes well with lemon basil chicken
One of the reasons I love making chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic is how well it pairs with so many sides. A light salad of arugula or mixed greens tossed with olive oil and a hint of lemon pairs perfectly. It matches the fresh flavors of the pasta. A loaf of rustic bread is also a great idea, perfect for soaking up any extra lemony sauce left on the plate.
If you enjoy wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal match for this chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic. The wine’s bright, zesty acidity pairs perfectly with the dish’s fresh, citrusy lemon notes. On warmer evenings, I sometimes serve it with a glass of chilled rosé for a light, summery feel.
Top side dishes and wines to pair with lemon basil pasta
For heartier pairings, grilled or roasted vegetables are excellent alongside chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus with just a touch of char. The slight smokiness contrasts nicely with the bright, herbal pasta.
If you prefer something creamy, a small plate of burrata or mozzarella with tomatoes and basil will complement the pasta without overpowering it. For the wine, stick with fresh, vibrant options. Whites and light rosés really let the lemon and basil shine, making this meal feel balanced and light.
In the next part, I will show you a few creative ways to switch up this dish and how to make the most of any leftovers.
Variations and Meal Ideas
Creative twists on lemon basil chicken pasta
Once you’ve made chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic a few times, you might want to try some fun variations. One easy option is to add cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness balances the tangy lemon and gives the dish a juicy pop. You could also toss in baby spinach or arugula at the end, letting it wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta.
If you’re a fan of creamy textures, try stirring in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta. It gives the pasta a soft richness without taking away from the fresh lemon and basil. Another great addition is toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch. Even a little chili flakes can bring a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat in your pasta.
How to turn leftovers into new meals
Leftover chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic is a gift for the next day. You can eat it cold as a pasta salad, especially if you add a few extras like olives, capers, or roasted veggies. It holds up well and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to settle.
If you want to reheat it, just warm it gently in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water to bring back the sauce. You could even turn leftovers into a pasta bake by adding some cheese and baking it until golden. This way, no food goes to waste and you get a brand-new meal with almost no effort.
Before we wrap up, let’s go over some common questions people ask about this dish and how to serve it best.
Conclusion
Chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic is one of those dishes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or sharing it with friends, it always delivers. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it always feels fresh and satisfying. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in under an hour, exactly the kind of recipe I love to share.
If you give this recipe a try, I hope it earns a spot in your regular meal rotation as well. And if you tweak it to make it your own, even better. No matter where you are, cooking should always bring a sense of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lemon juice do to pasta?
Lemon juice adds brightness and balance to pasta. In chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic, it lifts the flavors and keeps the dish feeling light and fresh. It also helps cut through the richness of olive oil or cheese, creating a clean, vibrant finish.
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
The phrase “marry me pasta” usually refers to a creamy, tomato-based dish so good it might inspire a marriage proposal. While chicken pasta with basil lemon and garlic is different, it earns just as much love thanks to its fresh, zesty flavor and simple elegance. Many people consider it a go-to romantic meal for its cozy, comforting vibe.
What goes well with lemon basil chicken?
Fresh salads, crusty bread, grilled vegetables, and light white wines all go well with lemon basil chicken. These pairings bring out the clean, citrusy flavor of the lemon while complementing the garlic and basil. You can find more pairing ideas earlier in the article.
What to serve with lemon basil pasta?
Besides the pasta itself, great sides include arugula salad, roasted asparagus, or grilled zucchini. Cheese lovers might enjoy a burrata plate or even some shaved Parmesan on the side. To drink, a cold glass of Pinot Grigio or rosé works beautifully.
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