Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this lemon herb chicken pasta, a dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the aromatic allure of herbs. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a gluten-free option without compromising on flavor. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the burst of cherry tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance.
When preparing this recipe, it's important to note that gluten-free pasta might not be a staple in every pantry. Make sure to check the gluten-free section of your supermarket for a variety that suits your taste and dietary needs. Additionally, fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes may not always be on hand, so a quick trip to the produce aisle might be necessary. These ingredients are essential for achieving the fresh and vibrant flavors that make this dish stand out.

Ingredients For Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta
Olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chicken breast: Diced chicken breast is the protein component, offering a tender and juicy texture.
Cherry tomatoes: These halved tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, complementing the lemon and herbs.
Gluten-free pasta: A vital ingredient for those avoiding gluten, this pasta serves as the hearty base of the dish.
Lemon: Both the juice and zest are used to infuse the dish with a bright, citrusy flavor.
Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a warm, slightly bitter taste that enhances the herbal notes.
Basil: Dried basil adds a sweet, peppery flavor, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Recipe
When preparing the chicken breast, ensure it is diced into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. This will help the chicken cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Additionally, when adding the lemon juice and zest, do so off the heat to preserve the fresh, vibrant citrus flavor. This technique will enhance the overall brightness of the dish, complementing the herbs and cherry tomatoes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for cooking.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is unavailable.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture, making it a suitable substitute for chicken.
Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them an excellent alternative.
Gluten-free pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free option that adds a fresh twist to the dish.
Lemon juice and zest - Substitute with lime juice and zest: Lime provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor profile, which can work well in place of lemon.
Dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal note that can enhance the dish.
Dried basil - Substitute with dried tarragon: Tarragon has a unique anise-like flavor that can add depth to the dish.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.
Pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and can be used if a less pungent flavor is desired.
Fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that can add a different but delightful twist to the dish.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the lemon herb chicken pasta to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that fits the pasta snugly to minimize air exposure, which can affect the taste and texture.
If you plan to enjoy the pasta within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the chicken and gluten-free pasta.
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of lemon juice to revive the flavors and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Before serving, give the pasta a fresh sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten up the flavors and add a touch of color.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat the lemon herb chicken pasta on the stovetop: Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through and the pasta is warm and tender.
Use the microwave for a quick fix: Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the chicken and pasta are evenly warmed.
Revitalize in the oven for a baked twist: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lemon herb chicken pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly heated.
Steam it for a moist reheating: Place the pasta in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover the bowl with a lid or foil. Allow the steam to gently warm the chicken and pasta, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Refresh with a sauté: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lemon herb chicken pasta and toss it around for a few minutes until everything is heated and slightly crispy. This method can add a delightful texture to your leftovers.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for sautéing garlic and cooking the chicken and tomatoes evenly.
Pot: Used for boiling water and cooking the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta after boiling.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the ingredients in the skillet and mixing the pasta with the sauce.
Knife: Used for dicing the chicken breast and chopping the fresh parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken and parsley.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil.
Citrus zester: Useful for zesting the lemon to add a burst of citrus flavor to the dish.
Juicer: Helps in extracting juice from the lemon efficiently.
Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to combine the pasta with the sauce before serving if preferred.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Dice and cook the chicken breast in advance. Store it in the fridge, so you can quickly add it to the skillet when ready.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Batch cook pasta: Cook extra gluten-free pasta and store it for future meals, reducing prep time.
Lemon zest in bulk: Zest multiple lemons at once and freeze the zest for easy access.
Pre-chop herbs: Chop parsley and other herbs in advance, storing them in airtight containers for quick garnishing.

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3. Add diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Add cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until tomatoes are softened.
- 5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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