Zesty Lemon OnePan Pasta Recipe: A Fresh Weeknight Winner

Quick, delicious weeknight dinners often start with this lemon one-pan pasta that simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor.

Minimal cleanup meets maximum satisfaction in this ingenious culinary creation.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating magic with every stir.

Fresh lemons brighten the entire dish, infusing each strand of pasta with citrusy zest.

Pantry staples become an extraordinary meal in less than 30 minutes.

The fragrant aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this simple yet spectacular dinner.

One pan stands between you and a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together effortlessly.

Toss It, Simmer It, Serve It: Instructions

Tender Chicken Lemon Pasta

• Chicken Preparation

Coat chicken with a robust blend of seasonings, ensuring both sides are well-covered for maximum flavor intensity.

• Initial Cooking

Warm oil in a spacious skillet, gently placing chicken and allowing it to develop a beautiful golden crust without disruption.

• Liquid Magic

Introduce chicken stock, reduce heat, and create a steamy environment that transforms the chicken into a succulent masterpiece.

• Aromatic Foundation

Melt butter and awaken minced garlic, releasing its enticing fragrance throughout the kitchen.

• Flavor Layering

Pour wine and stock, infusing the pan with a delicate liquid that promises depth and complexity.

• Pasta Integration

Nestle pasta into the bubbling sauce, breaking pieces if needed, and let it absorb the rich, lemony essence.

• Creamy Transformation

Blend Parmesan gradually, watching the sauce evolve into a luxurious coating that hugs each pasta strand.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, creating a vibrant dish that celebrates bold, fresh flavors.

Additions Like Chicken, Capers, or Cream

• Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
• Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley to add depth and personalize the sauce's taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a gentle sprinkle to a bold kick.
• Try pecorino romano or aged gouda as alternative cheese options to create unique flavor variations.

Serving a Zingy Bowl in Under 30 Minutes

• Family Dinner Star: Serve this zesty one-pan pasta alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the pasta on a large white platter, strategically placing sliced chicken on top and garnishing with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest for a stunning visual impact.
• Leftover Lunch Upgrade: Transform remaining pasta into a cold pasta salad by adding diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing next-day lunch option.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the lemony, creamy sauce with a chilled glass of crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the dish's bright, fresh flavors.

Meal Prep & Storage Game Plan

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Strategy: Portion remaining pasta in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock or half and half to revive creamy consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain sauce smoothness.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Chop garlic and parsley in advance, store in sealed containers. Chicken can be seasoned and refrigerated earlier in the day, streamlining dinner preparation and reducing evening cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

One-Pan Pasta Lemon Boost Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when cooked properly, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat.
• Pasta: Quick-cooking base that absorbs sauce beautifully, select high-quality short pasta like shells or rotini for best texture.

• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that adds deep, robust taste, select firm, compact cloves without sprouts.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid that intensifies overall dish complexity, opt for low-sodium versions to control seasoning.
• White Wine: Adds sophisticated depth and acidity, choose dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Half and Half: Creates creamy, luxurious sauce texture, select fresh, high-fat content for smoothest result.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish, grate fresh wedge for most intense flavor.

• Lemon: Introduces zesty, fresh note that cuts through richness, select firm, heavy citrus with vibrant yellow skin.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous touch, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and visual appeal, use sparingly for balanced kick.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates all ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Butter: Creates silky base for sauce, select unsalted for precise flavor control.

Pan Tools & Tongs You’ll Want Handy

• Large Skillet: Spacious pan with high sides, perfect for cooking and simmering all ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for measuring chicken stock, wine, and half and half.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring pasta and scraping pan bottom.
• Grater: Handy for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and serving.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for tenting cooked chicken to keep warm.

Tantalizing Lemon OnePan Pasta

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mary Berry’s lemon one-pan pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners. Quick cooking techniques merge fresh ingredients with simple preparation, letting home cooks create delightful meals without complex kitchen work.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts
• ½ lb (226 g) angel hair pasta
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1–2 tbsps Cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps butter
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) chicken stock
• ¾ cup (180 ml) chicken stock
• ¾ cup (180 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (240 ml) half and half, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken with seasoning, ensuring complete and even coverage for robust flavor penetration.
2. Searing: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully placing chicken and allowing uninterrupted searing for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Cooking Chicken: Flip chicken, introduce stock, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, seasoning with salt and pepper to develop a flavor base.
5. Liquid Reduction: Deglaze with white wine, allowing it to reduce, then add chicken stock and lemon juice to create a vibrant cooking liquid.
6. Creamy Integration: Stream half and half into the mixture, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer while maintaining consistent temperature.
7. Pasta Preparation: Add pasta to the skillet, breaking longer pieces if necessary, and simmer while stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and sauce absorption.
8. Cheese Incorporation: Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, observing sauce thickening and creating a luxurious texture.
9. Final Touches: Sprinkle fresh parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes to enhance complexity and brightness.
10. Serving: Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Maximize Seasoning Impact: Thoroughly coat chicken on both sides to ensure deep, uniform flavor penetration before cooking.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Let chicken sit undisturbed in hot oil for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Wine Reduction Secret: Allow white wine to simmer and concentrate, creating a rich flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Add Parmesan gradually and fold carefully to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg