Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

The zesty aroma of fresh lemon mingling with fragrant basil creates an irresistible invitation to the dinner table when you prepare Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta. This bright, Mediterranean-inspired dish balances tangy citrus notes with herbaceous basil and tender chicken, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. The refreshing yet satisfying combination makes this Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor impact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will make this dish a regular in your meal rotation. The bright acidity from fresh lemons cuts through the richness of the light cream sauce, while the aromatic basil adds a peppery freshness that elevates the entire dish. The tender chunks of chicken provide satisfying protein, creating a complete meal in one bowl.

What makes this recipe truly special is the textural contrast between the al dente pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and the silky sauce that clings to every strand. Each bite delivers a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that feels sophisticated yet comforting.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend cooking. The ingredients are simple pantry and refrigerator staples, eliminating the need for a special shopping trip. The versatility of this Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta also means you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For this delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 medium lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced for garnish)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (25g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The star ingredients are the fresh lemons and basil. Use only fresh lemons for this recipe, as bottled juice lacks the brightness and essential oils found in fresh fruit. Similarly, fresh basil is non-negotiable – dried basil simply won’t provide the same aromatic quality that makes this chicken pasta dish so special.

Pro Tips

Properly Cook Your Pasta: For the perfect Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta, cook your pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directions state. This slight undercooking allows the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce, where it will absorb flavors while releasing starches that help thicken the sauce. Reserve at least ½ cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.

Master the Chicken Technique: To achieve juicy, flavorful chicken, season it well and allow it to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. When sautéing, resist the urge to constantly stir or flip the chicken pieces. Let them develop a golden crust by cooking undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side. This caramelization creates depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Balance the Lemon Flavor: The key to perfect Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is balancing the lemon’s acidity. Add the lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go. Remember that you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. If your sauce becomes too acidic, a small amount of honey or an extra splash of cream can help balance it. Additionally, adding lemon zest provides aromatic oils without additional acidity for a more rounded lemon flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions suggest. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – those surface starches will help the sauce adhere to every strand.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels (this helps achieve a better sear), then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these flavor particles will enrich your sauce tremendously.

Step 4: Develop the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a boil, which could cause the cream to separate). Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately fold in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, lemon slices, extra Parmesan cheese, and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta: Transform this dish with Mediterranean flair by adding ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives, ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. The salty olives and tangy feta complement the bright lemon flavors beautifully, creating a vacation-worthy pasta with chicken and lemon.

Vegetarian Lemon Basil Pasta: Skip the chicken and add 2 cups of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables until just tender before building the sauce. For protein, add ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts or 1 can of drained and rinsed white beans. This variation maintains the fresh lemon basil profile while creating a hearty vegetarian option.

Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken Pasta: This recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs by simply substituting your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice pasta or chickpea pasta work particularly well with the lemon basil sauce. Just be careful not to overcook gluten-free pasta, as it can become mushy quickly. Check it frequently and aim for a firmer texture since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.

Storage and Serving

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.

For an elegant presentation, serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment, adding a peppery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

This dish also works wonderfully as a meal prep option. Prepare the components separately—store the cooked pasta tossed with a little olive oil, the chicken, and the sauce in separate containers. When ready to eat, quickly combine them in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh in this Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta?
While fresh basil provides the optimal flavor and aromatic quality, you can substitute dried basil in a pinch. Use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead of the fresh, but add it earlier in the cooking process (when you add the chicken broth) to allow it time to rehydrate and release its flavors.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, use 2% Greek yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for creaminess with less fat.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prepare the components separately. Cook the pasta al dente and the chicken as directed, then refrigerate. Make the sauce but don’t add the cream. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, warm the sauce, add the cream, then toss with the pasta and fresh basil.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best as they allow the sauce to cling to more surface area. However, penne or farfalle are good alternatives if you prefer shorter pasta shapes.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The coconut flavor is subtle when balanced with the strong lemon and basil notes, creating a delicious dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — bright, fresh, and satisfying with every twirl of your fork. It’s the perfect balance of zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings a touch of sunshine to your dinner table any time of year, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or hosting friends for dinner, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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