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Chicken and Lemon Thyme Pasta

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Chicken and Lemon Thyme Pasta is a light, bright, and herbaceous dish featuring tender chicken, fresh thyme, and zesty lemon tossed with pasta in a buttery sauce. It’s a refreshing and elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
  3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any bits from the pan.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor.
  • Add spinach or asparagus for extra vegetables and color.
  • Goat cheese or feta can be used instead of Parmesan for a tangy variation.
  • Double the thyme and zest for a stronger herbal-citrus flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep — just add a splash of broth or lemon juice when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-and-lemon-thyme-pasta/