• Home
  • Recipes
    • Search All Recipes
    • Recipe Round-Ups
  • Lifestyle
    • Outside the Kitchen
    • Kitchen Tips & Gifts
  • Weekly Meal Plans
  • More
    • About
    • Work With Me!
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Framed Cooks

My life. One recipe at a time.

Want every new recipe delivered right to your email inbox?

Sign Me Up!
Recipes » Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta

By Kate Morgan Jackson

Jump to Recipe

Turn leftover chicken into an easy elegant supper with a lemon and some linguine with this easy recipe for lemon chicken pasta.  It’s so simple to make, and has a bright and cheery lemon flavor that will have them begging for another serving!

Lemon Chicken Pasta

There are a few recipes in my collection that are near and dear to my heart not only because they taste so dang good, but because they remind me of wonderful times.  My mama’s cream scones.  My grandmother’s molasses cookies.  My baby girl’s favorite banana muffins.    And this lemony, buttery, easy lemon chicken pasta recipe.

I’ve made this about a million times over the years because it is so easy and delicious, but the time I loved best was on a winter weekend many moons ago up in Vermont with two of our best friends.  We all went up to my favorite place in the world, aka the Vermont Cabin.  It was February, and it was Vermont, so there was snow.  Lots of snow.

sledding

The Southern daughter was about five years old at the time, and like five year olds everywhere, she thought hurtling down the hill on her sled was pretty much the best thing she had ever done in her life.

sledding
Look at those cheeks!  I miss those cheeks.  They are off at college now.  (How did that happen??)

Anyway, going out to dinner up in my beloved part of Vermont requires a good half hour to 45 minutes in the car, and the cabin has a lovely, cozy kitchen, so one night we decided to cook in. There’s Janet cooking, and the Southern daughter setting the table, and me looking all bossy.  I have no idea what that’s about.

setting the table

And since we were all tuckered out from our snowy day, we wanted something easy as well as delicious, and yep, you guessed it.  Lemon Chicken Pasta!  A little cooked and shredded chicken, some lemons, some pasta, a handful of herbs, some butter and we were on our way.  A little while later we were eating and laughing around that table up there, and even though it was lo these many years ago, every time I make lemon chicken pasta it zaps me right back to a snowy weekend with best friends.

So from me to you, here’s one of my favorites for you to share with good people you love!

sledding

Wheeeeee!

Print

Lemon Chicken Pasta


★★★★ 3.9 from 8 reviews
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • Thin lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in heavily salted water until done. Reserve one cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Meantime, heat butter in large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add chicken and stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  3. Stir in herbs and lemon juice.
  4. Add pasta and cheese to chicken mixture and toss. Add just enough pasta water to form a light sauce.
  5. Divide among plates, garnish with extra herbs, cheese and lemon slices and serve.
4792.4 g228.5 mg19.8 g10.3 g0 g45.3 g2.1 g29.1 g90.1 mg

Did you try this recipe?

Tag @FramedCooks on Facebook and tell us how it came out!

48280 shares
  • Facebook734
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
Kate Morgan Jackson

Hi there!  I’m Kate, and I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover.  I started Framed Cooks in 2009, and my mission is to create and share family-friendly recipes that make cooking both easy and fun…yes, I said FUN!  My kitchen is my happy place, and I want yours to be that place too.  And if you make this recipe, I would love you to tag @FramedCooks on Instagram so I can see the deliciousness!as seen in logos

Know someone who would love this recipe?
Click here to email them the link!

Published on March 31, 2013

Good for: Dinner Party

Last Post:
Maple Chocolate Bacon Skewers
Next Post:
Eggs with Creamy Bacon Grits

I'D LOVE IT IF YOU WOULD RATE THIS RECIPE
(AND COMMENTS ARE WONDERFUL TOO!) Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Comments

Want a photo beside your name? Go to Gravatar.com, sign up for a free account, and upload a photo. It's super easy!

  1. Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says

    March 31, 2013 at 10:45 am

    This looks amazing! The lemon looks so fresh and tasty. Special story of good times!!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 1, 2013 at 7:40 am

      Thanks Robyn! There’s nothing like good food and good friends, right?

      Reply
  2. Joanne says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:07 am

    I’ve always loved the lemony buttery sauce that comes with chicken picatta but now that I don’t eat the meat part of it, that sauce hasn’t really appeared in my life in FOREVER. I need it…in the form of pasta sauce.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 4, 2013 at 8:05 am

      You DO! I’m guessing it is just as heavenly on plain pasta. :)

      Reply
  3. Traci says

    April 1, 2013 at 10:22 am

    What a pretty photo. Lemon chicken is one of my favorite recipes. Looks like I’m going to need to try it in pasta form now. :)

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 4, 2013 at 8:06 am

      Thank you! And everything is always better with pasta. Or bacon. That’s my motto.

      Reply
  4. Susan says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    Looks delicious. And I concur on the Nestles chocolate cookie recipe. All the recipes we try, we still always go back to the original.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 4, 2013 at 8:07 am

      I love the classic “back of the package” recipes – why mess with success? :)

      Reply
  5. Nutmeg Nanny says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Such a great photo of the dish I can taste it :) looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 4, 2013 at 8:07 am

      Aw, thanks! That is one of my all-time favorite plates!

      Reply
  6. Caroline says

    April 3, 2013 at 8:58 am

    I made this last night and it was a huge hit!! A nice change up from our normal plain spaghetti and parm. Love the lemony flavor.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 4, 2013 at 8:07 am

      It’s a fun way to shake things up, right? And lemons always taste like spring to me. :)

      Reply
  7. ruthie says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    I just roasted a chicken and this will be a great dish for some leftovers! So simple and yummy, but mine will of course have a bunch of garlic added to the butter and lemon. ;)
    Thanks, Kate!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 6, 2013 at 1:16 pm

      Well, you can’t ever go wrong with garlic! :)

      Reply
  8. Dana Lashley says

    April 16, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    This was so good, my 4 yr old asked to have it again tonight (we just had it last night)! Thanks for sharing! It was so easy to make, too!

    Reply
    • Dana Lashley says

      April 16, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      I forgot to mention, I added some capers too. It was a really nice addition.

      Reply
      • Kate says

        April 18, 2013 at 6:47 am

        Capers are a great idea! Glad you liked this one so much – anything that passes the 4 year old’s test we KNOW is good! :)

        Reply
  9. Tessa says

    April 21, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    I made this tonight for dinner, and it was perfect. Thanks for sharing such a nice, comforting recipe!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 22, 2013 at 8:20 am

      I’m so glad to hear! And my pleasure. :)

      Reply
  10. Jennifer Klonsky says

    April 22, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    Had a roast chicken in the fridge and was looking for something fun to use it in…so I just whipped some of this up! My 10yo helped and she loved the results. It was quick and easy! I also added leftover steamed broccoli and it went really well with the buttery/lemony sauce. Thanks for this one!!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 23, 2013 at 8:14 am

      My pleasure! There’s nothing more delicious than family cooking, I always think. :)

      Reply
  11. Julia says

    April 24, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Just came across this on Pinterest–looks delicious! I am a sucker for anything with lemon in it.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 25, 2013 at 6:12 am

      Me too! Hope you love it. :)

      Reply
  12. Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen says

    April 26, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    Looks Yummy and Simple, my favorite kind of meals!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 28, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Mine too! :)

      Reply
  13. kt says

    May 15, 2013 at 9:55 am

    if one does not have access to fresh herbs, what would be the dried equivalent measurement be?

    Reply
    • Kate says

      May 15, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      I think a good tablespoon of each should be just about right.

      Reply
  14. Catherine Roe says

    June 21, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    I love the idea of Lemon Chicken Pasta! I also love all your stories..and this one was espicially charming! Boy how I know certain foods bring on Flashbacks of the past! I will be trying this soon! Thank you again for all your wonderful recipes…Catherine

    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 23, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      My pleasure! And yes, there’s nothing like the memories of meals shared with friends — delicious in so many ways!

      Reply
  15. judi lord says

    April 24, 2014 at 3:25 am

    another good name for this would be “chicken piccata pasta” or “piccata pasta” for those who are vegetarian and good for meatless mondays

    Reply
  16. Brianna Storch says

    June 10, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    This recipe looks great, our household is just getting over a cold and I’m the only one not working today so I’m on dinner duty despite still feeling congested. Needless to say I looked for something that was easy but also that we would still enjoy (last night was pizza night)! I really like your recipe because it creates something of a sauce instead of just squeezing lemon juice over a piece of chicken.

    And I love the nostalgia that comes with your recipe! It’s very similar to my memory of going swimming every summer day when I was in 4th or 5th grade, and my friend’s mom who watched us while my mom was working would alway makes tuna sandwiches & sweet tea. Anytime I go swimming now I always want a tuna sandwich!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 10, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Favorite meals make for wonderful memories, don’t they? Hope you love the lemon chicken, and here’s also hoping everyone in your family gets well soon…summer colds are No Fun!

      Reply
  17. paintcan says

    June 23, 2014 at 8:05 am

    Not clear as to how the drained pasta is not a sticky clump by the time you cook the chicken.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 24, 2014 at 6:22 am

      The chicken you are working with is already cooked, so by the time the pasta is cooked and drained the butter and chicken and lemon will all be heated, and you can pop the drained pasta in there right away. No clumping! :)

      Reply
  18. Laura says

    August 20, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Made exactly as listed. Had a bit of a bitter taste from the lemon juice. Added some garlic infused olive oil and limoncello to add a sweeter lemon flavor and that helped, but will probably not make again. Also don’t understand why people comment on recipes who have not made it. Not very helpful for those of us wanting to know if it tasted good to those who have actually tried it.

    ★★

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 20, 2017 at 6:02 pm

      Hey Laura! I really appreciate your candid review, and that you took the time to leave this comment. You are right that this is DEFINITELY a lemony one. :) I thought maybe you might be interested in one of our other family chicken pasta favorites, which is this chicken pasta carbonara – link below. Meantime, happy Sunday and have a great week!

      https://www.framedcooks.com/2013/12/chicken-pasta-carbonara.html

      Reply
  19. Flora says

    January 18, 2018 at 12:42 am

    Very good & love how simple it is.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate says

      January 20, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Thanks Flora! It’s one of our faves. :)

      Reply
  20. Kyla McCulley says

    March 7, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    This was easy and the whole family loved it! Very fast, my husband said it should “be a staple.”

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 11, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      I love that it is going to be a staple! It’s one of our very faves. :)

      Reply
  21. Laura says

    March 14, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    This is one of my picky eaters favorites, so I make it often. Thank you for sharing.
    I was wondering if it could be frozen and reheated successfully? I have a friend that just had a baby and I’m trying to make her some meals that her other kids will enjoy also, to make life a little easier. Just wondering if I could do that with this pasta??

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 14, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      Well, I just love being a picky eater favorite (having raised/lived with a picky eater myself!). I see no reason why this wouldn’t freeze just fine – they should just thaw thoroughly and then re-heat in a skillet with a little chicken broth to loosen it up. :)

      Reply
  22. Holly says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    This recipe has become a favorite of mine! I’ve made it several times and I’m obsessed. It tastes incredible and is so simple and easy to make.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate Morgan Jackson says

      May 15, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Thank you! Isn’t it the best when you land on a recipe that you know is going to work out every time? I’m so glad this is one of those recipes for you. Happy Wednesday!!

      Reply
  23. brett dennis flournoy says

    May 19, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Superb Saturday night dish, sided by Chardonnay! Not heavy, rather it comes across as elegant. Had to wing it on the herbs, replaced the chives with green onion tips, used dry parsley and thyme. We cleaned the pan, that’s a fact!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate Morgan Jackson says

      May 20, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      Hurray! I love your herb substitutions, and I’m so happy to hear that you had a delicious Saturday night! :)

      Reply
  24. Gwyn says

    March 9, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Very bland!!

    ★

    Reply
    • Kate Morgan Jackson says

      March 10, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Gwyn! I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you, but I’m glad that you tried it! :)

      Reply
  25. Terriana Jones says

    April 26, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    My son and my self made, and enjoyed this wonderful meal tonite (on 26 April 2020). Again, we enjoyed it, and plan on doing it again.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate Morgan Jackson says

      April 27, 2020 at 9:35 am

      I’m so glad you liked it! It’s one of our family favorites. :)

      Reply
  26. Amy says

    December 6, 2020 at 9:29 am

    I’ve made this so many times over the years. It’s one of my favorites not just because it’s delicious but also it’s so simple.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kate Morgan Jackson says

      December 7, 2020 at 11:38 am

      Amy! You made my day – I’m so happy to hear this! :)

      Reply

Hi, I’m Kate! I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover. I’m so glad you’re here!

If you want to know more….

STILL HUNGRY? CHECK OUT MY LATEST RECIPE VIDEOS!

These recipes are trending up! Come see what the excitement is about!

  • Pastina with Egg and Cheese, Otherwise Known As Comfort Food
  • Fresh Mint Tea
  • Julia Child's Filet Of Sole
  • Grandpa's Coca-Cola Ribs
  • Pasta with Buttered Egg Sauce

These recipes are trending up! Come see what the excitement is about!

  • Pastina with Egg and Cheese, Otherwise Known As Comfort Food
  • Fresh Mint Tea
  • Julia Child's Filet Of Sole
  • Grandpa's Coca-Cola Ribs
  • Pasta with Buttered Egg Sauce

Want every new recipe delivered right to your email inbox?

  • Home
  • Starters
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Contact
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Framed Cooks
All photographs © FramedCooks and may not be used for any purpose without written permission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.