Description

This Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti is a bright, zesty twist on classic pasta night. Tender, golden-seared chicken is served over a tangle of al dente spaghetti tossed in a simple but bold lemon-garlic sauce with a hint of heat. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it’s a fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels restaurant-worthy any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or bite-size pieces.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden; do not let it burn.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat in the lemon garlic sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired silky consistency.
Sprinkle in most of the chopped parsley and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese melts and the pasta is glossy and well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Transfer the lemon garlic spaghetti to serving plates or a platter. Arrange the sliced chicken on top and garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously; it’s the first chance to season the spaghetti itself.
Let the chicken rest before slicing so the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender and moist.
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time just enough to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the spaghetti.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest melt and best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken pasta, crispy chicken spaghetti, easy weeknight dinner, lemon pasta, skillet chicken pasta