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.
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.