Flavorful Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe: Lemon Herb Magic with Garlic Butter

Introduction to the Perfect Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful combination of bold flavors and simple preparation, this Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is exactly what you need. Chicken penne pasta recipes like this one bring together juicy, herb-infused chicken, a zesty lemon twist, and the rich, savory taste of garlic butter, all wrapped in perfectly cooked penne. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you’re visiting or making a simple evening supper with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

What Makes This Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta Special?

This Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta stands out among other chicken Penne pasta recipes for its unique fusion of fresh, vibrant flavors. Here’s what makes it special:

• Bright Citrus Flavor: The use of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing kick that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: The chicken is marinated with a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, ensuring every bite bursts with aromatic goodness.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: A rich garlic butter sauce ties the whole dish together, offering a creamy yet light texture that coats the penne pasta perfectly.
• Simple and Fast: With just a few components and simple instructions, This dish is ideal for hectic evenings because it comes together quickly.

This delightful combination of lemon, herbs, and garlic butter makes this dish a standout among other chicken penne pasta recipes, perfect for anyone seeking a hearty, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

There are countless reasons why this chicken penne pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why:

• Easy to Customize: It’s simple to modify the herbs or add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as they sit, making this dish an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Its universal appeal makes it a great choice for serving at family dinners, casual gatherings, or even potlucks.
• Quick and Delicious: With a prep and cook time of under 30 minutes, you get a fine dining experience without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

This Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce brings together simple, fresh ingredients that result in a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The blend of succulent chicken, fragrant herbs, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe promises to impress.

Essential Ingredients for This Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

The key to this delicious chicken penne pasta recipe lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts that areskinless and boneless are used in this dish are ideal. They swiftly cook and take up theflavors of the lemon and herbs beautifully.
• Penne Pasta: The shape of penne pasta is perfect for holding the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Butter: Butter adds richness to the garlic sauce, giving the dish a creamy texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for creating a fragrant and savory base for the sauce.
• Lemon: The zest and fresh lemon juice enhance the dish with a citrusy tang that pairs wonderfully with the herbs and chicken.
• Herbs: A combination of fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, and oregano, infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors. The herbs can be changed to suit your tastes.
• Olive Oil: utilized to cook the chicken and provide a light, healthy fat that complements the butter.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

These ingredients come together to create a classic chicken penne pasta recipe that is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

While the base recipe is straightforward, you can easily make adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Pasta: You can use whole wheat penne or gluten-free Pasta if needed.
• Butter: If you’re looking for a For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter substitutes or olive oil in place of the butter.
• Herbs: For a variation on the flavor profile, feel free to try using additional herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
• Garlic: If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, though fresh garlic will provide a more robust taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

Take these easy steps to make a delicious Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce. From preparing the chicken to creating the perfect garlic butter sauce, this recipe is designed to be both easy and flavorful.

Preparing the Chicken for Your Penne Pasta

To get started, the chicken needs to be infused with the rich flavors of lemon and herbs. Here’s how to do it:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, a bit of lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give the chicken a thorough coating and allow it to marinade in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. This will ensure the chicken absorbs all the bright, zesty flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. After adding the marinated chicken, grill it for five to seven minutes on each side or until it is thoroughly cooked and has a nice golden-brown crust. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

You can serve this with our Chicken and Gravy Recipe for a hearty meal. For best marinating practices, check out this guide.

Cooking the Penne Pasta to Perfection

Cooking penne pasta to the perfect al dente texture is essential for this chicken penne pasta recipe. Here’s how to achieve that ideal bite:

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot. Add water, season with salt, and heat until boiling.
2. Cook the Penne: Add the Penne. Add Pasta to boiling water and cook as directed on the package, usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente. To keep the Pasta from sticking together, stir it occasionally.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the Pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain and set aside the Pasta after it’s al dente.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

The rich garlic butter sauce is what brings this entire dish together. Here’s how to make it:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Garlic: After the butter melts, Add the minced garlic and simmer for one to two minutes or until aromatic. Keep in mind that burning the garlic can cause it to become bitter.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Herbs: Add some of the pasta water that was set aside and some fresh lemon juice to make a smooth, smooth sauce. Add a handful of parsley that has just been chopped and a pinch of pepper for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.

Combining the Chicken, Penne, and Garlic Butter Sauce

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. To make sure all of the Pasta is covered in sauce, give it a good stir.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the cut chicken and fold gently, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the Pasta.
3. Adjust the Consistency: Should the sauce appear excessively thick, you can add a bit more of the pasta water you set aside until the sauce is the consistency you want.
4. Finish with Fresh Herbs: For a final touch, sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or basil on top and a bit of lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

For more delicious pasta ideas, try our Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bliss. This technique is similar to MasterClass’s pasta sauce tips, ensuring you achieve the best texture.

How to Bring It All Together: Mixing Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and your Pasta is al dente, it’s time to bring this [chicken penne pasta recipe] to life by combining all the elements. Start by tossing the drained penne pasta with your garlic butter sauce in a large pan over medium heat. Make sure every piece of Pasta is well coated in a rich, buttery sauce.

Next, add your lemon herb chicken into the pan and gently fold it into the Pasta, ensuring that the chicken absorbs some of the sauce while distributing the fresh herbs and lemon flavors throughout the dish. Add a few minced parsley leaves and freshly grated Parmesan for added flavor and texture. If you enjoy a bit of extra freshness, Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over the Pasta.

Finally, garnish with additional fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, for a fragrant and vibrant finish. Serve immediately, and watch your guests dig into this irresistibly flavorful chicken penne pasta recipe!

Tips for Success with Your Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Cooking a [chicken penne pasta recipe] can be simple, but a few common mistakes can make or break the dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked to the perfect until it’s golden brown and juicy. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough, which could take away from the overall experience.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook your penne until it is slightly firm to the bite or al dente. Overcooked Pasta becomes mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
• Using Too Much Lemon Juice: While lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor, too much can overpower the dish. Start with the suggested quantity and taste as you go.
• Not Tossing the Pasta in the Sauce: Some people make the mistake of pouring the sauce over the Pasta. Instead, toss the Pasta in the sauce to allow it to absorb the flavors more effectively.

Expert Tips for Enhancing the Flavor of Your Chicken Penne Pasta

To elevate your [chicken penne pasta recipe], here are a few tips to enhance the dish:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can brighten up the dish and add layers of flavor. Add them towards the end to maintain their vibrant color and freshness.
• Finish with Lemon Zest: If you want a subtle lemon flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest instead of adding more juice. The zest provides a hint of lemon without making the dish too sour.
• Add a Little Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat to balance out the richness of the butter and chicken.
• Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much stronger and richer flavor than pre-packaged options. Always opt for the real deal to take your Pasta to the next level.

Expert Cooking Tips for Optimizing Flavor

For those looking to elevate their [chicken penne pasta recipe], there are a few tricks that can really take the flavor up a notch. Marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to ensure the meat is packed with flavor. Use a simple marinade of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. The chicken will absorb all the zesty and aromatic flavors, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties makes a big difference. Fresh Parmesan has a sharper, richer taste that enhances the entire dish. Grate it over the Pasta just before serving to create a delicious, cheesy finish.

Another pro tip is to use unsalted butter for your garlic butter sauce. This allows you to control the salt levels better, ensuring a perfectly balanced sauce.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

Adding Vegetables for a Twist

To add more texture and flavor to your [chicken penne pasta recipe], consider incorporating vegetables. Roasted cherry tomatoes can bring a burst of sweetness that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully. If you prefer some greens, toss in a handful of fresh spinach; it will wilt perfectly when mixed into the hot Pasta.

Asparagus is another great option for a seasonal twist. Lightly roast or sauté it before mixing it in with the Pasta. The combination of tender chicken, crispy asparagus, and the tangy lemon herb sauce creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Other veggies to consider:

• Roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet addition.
• Zucchini for a mild, crunchy texture.
• Broccoli for added color and a satisfying bite.

Using Different Proteins

If you want to try something different, this [chicken penne pasta recipe] is versatile enough to work with various proteins. You can easily swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or even seared salmon for a seafood variation. The garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with seafood, enhancing its natural sweetness.

For a vegetarian twist, consider using sautéed mushrooms or plant-based alternatives. The earthy flavor of mushrooms complements the lemon herb sauce and provides a meaty texture without adding animal protein.

Other protein ideas:

• Grilled tofu for a plant-based option.
• Turkey or beef strips for a richer, heartier meal.
• Lamb for a unique, Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Substituting Chicken with Shrimp or Turkey

If you’re looking to switch things up with your [chicken penne pasta recipe], you can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp or turkey while maintaining the same flavorful base. Shrimp works particularly well with the lemon herb garlic butter sauce, offering a fresh seafood twist to the dish. Sauté the shrimp in the garlic butter until pink and cooked through, then mix it into the penne pasta, just as you would with the chicken.

Turkey is another excellent alternative, providing a slightly richer taste. You can use either leftover roasted turkey or turkey breast slices. Sear the turkey until golden brown and juicy before adding it to the Pasta. These substitutions maintain the integrity of the recipe, ensuring you still enjoy the delightful combination of penne pasta, herbs, and garlic butter sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Penne Pasta

When serving your [chicken penne pasta recipe], it’s great to have some complementary side dishes to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is an ideal pairing. The acidity from the dressing balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce, and the greens add a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that complements any pasta dish. The crispy texture and garlicky flavor are a perfect match for the creamy, herb-infused sauce of the Pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots. The sweetness from the roasting process adds a depth of flavor that complements the savory pasta dish.

Other great side options include:

• Steamed broccoli for a healthy, vibrant green side.
• Grilled asparagus for a seasonal twist.
• Caprese salad for a light, fresh option with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Best Beverage Pairings

Pairing your chicken penne pasta recipe with the right beverage can elevate the dining experience. For those who enjoy wine, consider these pairings:

• Sparkling Grape Juice: This sparkling beverage, with its crisp and fruity notes, pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce
• Sparkling Apple Juice: If you prefer something a little more crisp, sparkling apple juice offers a zesty, refreshing note that mirrors the lemon in the recipe and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a refreshing homemade lemonade works wonderfully. The citrus enhances the lemon herb flavors, while the bubbles cleanse the palate.

Beverage Pairings for Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

For those looking to pair their chicken penne pasta recipe with non-alcoholic beverages, there are plenty of refreshing options that will complement the dish perfectly. The zesty lemon herb flavors in the pasta call for drinks that balance and refresh the palate.

• Sparkling Water with Lemon: A simple but elegant choice. The enthusiasm of sparkling water with a slice of fresh lemon adds a citrusy twist that enhances the lemon herb sauce without overpowering the dish.
• Iced Tea: A cold glass of unsweetened iced tea, perhaps with a hint of mint or lemon, is another great pairing. It’s light and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Cucumber Water: Infusing water with slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves creates a hydrating, cooling beverage that pairs wonderfully with the buttery garlic sauce.

Flavorful Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe: Lemon Herb Magic with Garlic Butter

This Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce combines tender, herb-infused chicken, zesty lemon, and a rich garlic butter sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne pasta. It’s an elegant yet simple meal, ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup pasta water reserved
• Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish optional

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken:

• Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente (around 10-12 minutes).
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same pan used for the chicken, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in fresh lemon juice and a small amount of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken:

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and toss everything together.

Garnish and Serve:

• Serve the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and extra lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Notes

• To add more flavor, marinate the chicken longer, ideally overnight.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for variations.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.

Keyword Chicken penne pasta, easy pasta recipes, Easy Weeknight Dinner, garlic butter sauce, lemon herb pasta

Conclusion: Try This Delicious Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe Today

Final Thoughts on Lemon Herb Chicken Penne Pasta

This [chicken penne pasta recipe] is a delightful combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. The easy preparation and fresh ingredients make it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers.

With options to substitute proteins like shrimp or turkey and variations like adding vegetables, this recipe can be adapted to suit any occasion. The balance of flavors in the lemon herb sauce, paired with the al dente penne, creates a satisfying and delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Share Your Success!

After trying this [chicken penne pasta recipe], we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add your twist or stick to the original recipe? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave a review. Your feedback and ideas could inspire others to try new variations of this mouthwatering dish!