Name: Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta with Crispy Capers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491208H26M45S
Total time: PT-491208H26M45S
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne); 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying capers); 2 tablespoons capers, drained and patted dry; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1–2 tablespoons butter (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta with Crispy Capers is a fresh, zesty, and comforting dish that blends the brightness of lemon, the herbal kick of basil, and the salty crunch of capers—all tossed with tender chicken and pasta. I love how light and flavorful this pasta feels, with just enough richness to satisfy and a punch of citrus and texture that makes every bite exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, vibrant, and full of contrasting textures. The lemon keeps it fresh, the basil adds that classic Italian aroma, and the crispy capers bring a salty crunch that takes it to another level. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s all made in under 30 minutes. Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta with Crispy Capers

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and sliced
Garlic, minced
Lemon zest and juice
Fresh basil, chopped
Capers, drained and patted dry
Olive oil
Butter (optional, for a richer sauce)
Salt and black pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted water according to package directions, then drain it, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, I heat a little olive oil in a skillet and fry the capers until they’re golden and crispy—about 2–3 minutes. I remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
In the same skillet, I add more olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Then I add the cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and toss to coat everything.
I add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. I toss everything together until it’s well combined and heated through.
I stir in fresh basil and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.
I top the pasta with crispy capers and a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and comes together in 25–30 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast dinner that still feels bright and flavorful. Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta with Crispy Capers

Variations

I swap the chicken for shrimp or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
I add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and freshness.
I use gluten-free pasta when needed, or whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
I drizzle with extra lemon juice or a touch of white wine in the pan for extra acidity.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the moisture. The crispy capers are best added fresh, but I’ve also reheated them briefly in a pan to crisp them back up.

FAQs

How do I make the capers crispy?

I dry them well with a paper towel, then fry them in hot oil for 2–3 minutes until they puff up and turn golden. I drain them on paper towels to keep them crunchy.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is best for flavor and aroma, but if I’m in a pinch, I use a small amount of dried basil and add it earlier in the cooking process to let the flavor infuse.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I like using long pasta like linguine or spaghetti, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well too, especially if I want more sauce clinging to the noodles.

Is this dish very lemony?

It has a fresh lemon flavor, but I can control the intensity by adjusting the amount of lemon juice and zest to fit my taste.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. I skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The butter is also optional and can be replaced with more olive oil.

Conclusion

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta with Crispy Capers is a bright, flavorful pasta dish that brings together zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and salty crunch in the best way. I love how easy it is to make and how it delivers so much depth with just a few ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving it to friends, this pasta is always a refreshing, satisfying choice.