This Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is bright and tasty! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh basil and zesty lemon, all tossed with your favorite pasta.
I love how quick this dish comes together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something yummy without a lot of fuss. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using linguine or spaghetti for this dish. Both types give a nice base. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles instead!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time and is very tasty!
Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. However, avocado oil is a great substitute if you want something with a higher smoke point for cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness. If they are out of season, you could use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for this recipe’s flavor. If you can’t find fresh basil, use dried basil, but remember to use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Can I Cook the Chicken to Perfection?
Cooking chicken perfectly ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to make sure you get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps cook the outside quickly, sealing in the juices.
- Season the chicken well on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but be mindful not to overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn’t big enough, cook in batches!
- Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or diced fresh tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook! It’s a quick and easy option for busy nights, letting you enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later! This will help make your sauce nice and smooth.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (you want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
3. Make the Flavorful Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, add your quartered cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they soften up a bit.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time for the best part! Stir in the lemon zest and juice, along with the chopped basil and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until it’s well combined. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Finish & Serve:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. Now, plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken, extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon wedges for a bright finish!
Enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of your Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works best, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the chicken altogether and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option. Just sauté the veggies in place of the chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil since it’s more concentrated. Add it along with the garlic to release its flavors!
