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Bright, flavorful and simple to prepare, Instant Pot lemon chicken pasta is a quick dinner idea that brings comfort and freshness to the table. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables and citrusy lemon in a creamy, savory sauce that clings beautifully to cavatappi pasta. Using the Instant Pot means it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta dish is always a win.
This Instant Pot lemon chicken pasta recipe is tangy, creamy and features chicken, veggies and lemon. It’s an easy and comforting dinner idea full of fresh flavor.
Pasta fans might also like this BLT pasta salad, lasagna al forno or how about making this feta baked pasta or salsa fresca chicken?
Why You’ll Love It
Quick to prepare: The Instant Pot cuts your cooking time and effort dramatically.
Bright, zesty flavor: Lemon and fresh vegetables add a refreshing twist.
All-in-one meal: Protein, carbs and veggies come together in one dish.
Minimal cleanup: Fewer dishes make this a go-to weeknight dinner.
Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and brings everything together.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory depth and moisture.
Lemon juice and zest: Provide a citrusy brightness that balances the richness.
Chicken tenderloins: Quick-cooking, lean protein that stays juicy.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
Squash and zucchini: Fresh vegetables that add color and texture.
Garlic: Boosts the overall savory flavor of the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Add a hint of heat without overpowering.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory notes of the vegetables and chicken.
Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a savory, cheesy finish.
Parsley: Adds freshness and color if used as a garnish.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Chicken Cavatappi
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the pasta: Add the pasta, broth and lemon juice to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook, allow a brief natural release, then set aside.
Season and sauté the chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Sauté in the Instant Pot.
Add the butter: Stir butter into the pot with the chicken to begin building the sauce.
Prep and season the veggies: Chop the squash and zucchini. Toss with garlic, lemon juice, red pepper and onion powder.
Cook the vegetables: Add seasoned vegetables to the Instant Pot and sauté until tender.
Combine and finish: Stir the pasta and parmesan into the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
Use a different protein: Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp if preferred.
Try other veggies: Bell peppers or asparagus would also work well.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream with the parmesan for a richer sauce.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make your lemon chicken pasta with veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Begin your meal with an antipasto salad or perhaps mushroom focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Side dishes: Enjoy a parmesan lemon chopped salad or a tomato and burrata salad with your lemon chicken pasta.
Dessert: Finish off with a classic tiramisu.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Pasta with Veggies
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
Top Tips
Add lemon last: Stir in fresh lemon juice just before serving to maintain brightness.
Don’t overcook pasta: Use the quick release after 5 minutes to prevent soggy noodles.
Pre-cut the vegetables: Get your vegetables chopped and seasoned while the pasta cooks.
Instant Pot Pasta with Chicken and Lemon FAQs
Yes, just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method.
Yes, it reheats well. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Cavatappi is actually the Italian word for ‘corkscrew’ and you’ll find this type of pasta is perfect for the sauce to cling to. Feel free to substitute any shape of pasta noodle you have in the pantry though.
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash Recipe
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Pound cavatappi pasta
- 2 Cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Pound chicken tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- 2 yellow squash, chopped
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 3 Cloves garlic, minced
- ½ Cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 Teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ Cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- parsley, fresh, optional garnish
Instructions
- Add noodles, broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the Instant Pot. Seal and set to manual high pressure. Cook for 4 minutes then allow natural release for 5. Quick release remaining steam and set noodles aside.
- Set instant pot to sauté.
- Add chicken to a mixing bowl and toss with ½ tablespoon olive oil, salt, lemon zest, and black pepper.
- Add remaining olive oil and chicken to the instant pot and cook for 5 minutes, turning frequently.
- Add the butter to the instant pot with the chicken.
- Cut squash and zucchini into ½-inch pieces. Add to a mixing bowl and combine with lemon juice, red pepper, onion powder, and minced garlic.
- Add the squash and zucchini to the instant pot and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes to soften.
- Switch off the Instant Pot and stir in the parmesan and pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook pasta: Use the quick release after 5 minutes to prevent soggy noodles.
Pre-cut the vegetables: Get your vegetables chopped and seasoned while the pasta cooks.
Nutrition
This Instant Pot lemon chicken pasta is a bright and satisfying one-pot meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve to guests. The combination of tender chicken, seasonal vegetables and lemony pasta creates a well-balanced dish that’s full of flavor and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this is a reliable go-to recipe that delivers every time, if you love chicken pasta with zucchini and squash.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
It was the fastest weeknight dinner I’ve made in a while. The sauce was creamy and light, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to the Instant Pot.