The Zesty Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Lemon parmesan one-pan pasta refines ordinary weeknight cooking into a magical culinary experience.

Busy home cooks deserve simple yet stunning meal solutions that minimize cleanup and maximize flavor.

Kitchen wizardry happens when ingredients dance together in a single vessel, creating harmonious textures and robust tastes.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge seamlessly with modern convenience, offering a streamlined approach to dinner preparation.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate recipes that reduce complexity without sacrificing deliciousness.

Smart cooking means understanding how strategic ingredient combinations can elevate a basic dish into something extraordinary.

This technique revolutionizes traditional pasta-making by condensing multiple steps into one effortless process.

Why Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Is a Win

• Speedster Meal Crafting: One-pan magic transforms complex cooking into a streamlined, effortless culinary experience with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Tangy Flavor Explosion: Bright lemon juice and zest combined with rich Parmesan cheese create a vibrant, creamy sauce that dances across your taste buds with balanced tanginess and depth.
• Versatile Comfort Dining: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences while delivering restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Texture Symphony: Silky sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, complemented by tender chicken and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, offering a delightful mix of smooth, crisp, and zesty sensations in every single bite.

Pantry Ingredients for One-Pan Pasta Night

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Chicken Stock: Provides depth of flavor and moisture for cooking chicken and pasta.
• Half and Half: Creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce with rich consistency.
• White Wine: Adds complex flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial chicken searing and preventing sticking.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust, sharp flavor to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, green garnish and light herbal notes.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the rich sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and adds zesty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spicy complexity to the dish.
• Pasta: Carbohydrate base that absorbs the creamy sauce and completes the meal.

Steps to Make Lemon Parmesan Pasta Easy

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Generously coat chicken with seasoning on both sides.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Flip once, pour chicken stock, reduce heat to simmer, cover pan, and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate covered with foil.

Step 3: Prepare The Garlic Base

Melt butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Create The Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Lemon juice

Gradually add half and half and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook The Pasta

Add pasta, breaking in half if needed. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 6: Finish The Dish

Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, saving some for serving. The sauce will naturally thicken.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Parsley
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes

Toss well and serve with sliced chicken. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Creamy One-Pot Pasta Success

• Select the Right Skillet: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Break Pasta Strategically: Snap pasta in half only if it doesn't fit completely in the pan, ensuring even cooking and sauce coverage.
• Watch Liquid Levels: Stir frequently and monitor liquid to prevent sticking, adding small amounts of stock if the pasta seems dry.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and off direct heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Garnish with Purpose: Sprinkle fresh parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes just before serving to maximize flavor and visual appeal.

How to Store and Warm One-Pan Pasta Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or half and half to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a little liquid if the sauce looks thick.

Sides That Go Well with Lemon Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery white wine in the recipe perfectly complements a crisp Chardonnay, enhancing the lemon and creamy sauce flavors with its balanced acidity and smooth texture.
• Serve alongside Garlic Roasted Asparagus: The light, green vegetable adds a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy pasta and provides a nutritious side dish.
• Match with Herb Focaccia Bread: The crusty, aromatic bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and pasta.
• Complement with Citrus Arugula Salad: A zesty, peppery salad with bright citrus notes cuts through the dish's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Pasta Recipe Swaps for More Variety

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace white wine with dry vermouth, add sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Harmony: Substitute half and half with heavy cream, mix in fresh basil, thyme, and oregano. Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a herbaceous version.
• Spicy Southwestern Serenade: Include diced green chilies, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Add a dash of cumin for extra warmth and complexity.
• Creamy Mushroom Whisper: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms before adding garlic, then proceed with the original recipe. Introduce a splash of truffle oil at the end for a luxurious earthy undertone.

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon meets savory Parmesan in this effortless one-pan pasta masterpiece from Italy. Creamy cheese and tangy citrus dance together, creating a quick weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded to an even ¼ inch (0.64 cm) thick

Seasoning and Cooking Fat:

• 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• ½ pound (227 grams) angel hair pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ¾ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half, room temperature
• ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with seasoning on both surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm olive oil (30 milliliters / ) in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan.
3. Allow chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Gently flip chicken once, pour 80 milliliters chicken stock into the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 5 additional minutes.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter (30 grams / ) over medium heat.
7. Add finely minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until aromatic, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
8. Pour 180 milliliters white wine into the skillet, allowing it to reduce for 2 minutes.
9. Add 180 milliliters chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, then gradually incorporate half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
10. Introduce pasta into the liquid, breaking into smaller pieces if needed, and simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring consistently.
11. Reduce heat to low, continuing to cook until pasta reaches al dente texture.
12. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, reserving a portion for garnishing, which will naturally thicken the sauce.
13. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes over the dish.
14. Toss ingredients thoroughly and plate with sliced chicken, topping with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Break pasta noodles in half to ensure even cooking and easier handling in the skillet.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Create a silky sauce by gradually adding Parmesan cheese and stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
• Simmer pasta gently to achieve perfect al dente texture, avoiding overcooking which can make noodles mushy.
• Keep chicken warm by tenting with foil, allowing it to rest and retain its juicy tenderness while preparing the sauce.
• Adjust heat carefully when reducing wine and stock to concentrate flavors without burning the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg