20 Delicious Ways to Use Lemons for Dinner from Pasta to Chicken and Seafood

Jenny deRemer

Oct 21, 2024

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If you’re looking for creative ways to use lemons for dinner, this collection of 20 recipes has you covered. From Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs to Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps these dishes bring a bright, tangy twist to every meal. Try Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon or Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes for a Mediterranean flair. For pasta lovers, dishes like Ricotta Lemon Pasta and Lemon Basil Orzo Salad offer a refreshing twist on dinner classics. Plus don’t miss out on Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken and Lemon Parmesan Ground Turkey Pasta for easy, comforting meals.

Table of Contents

Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

A black roasting pan filled with golden-brown, herb-crusted chicken thighs is garnished with chopped parsley. The dish contains a mixture of colorful cherry tomatoes and roasted vegetables, creating a vibrant and appetizing appearance. The background shows a wooden table with a glimpse of a side dish and some fresh vegetables.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

These Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs offer a delicious combination of tender chicken and a bright, tangy lemon sauce. The creamy texture makes it a rich and comforting option for dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes or pasta for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Creamy Lemon Dill Butter Chicken

A white plate filled with creamy dill chicken garnished with fresh dill sprigs. The chicken is golden brown and coated in a rich, creamy sauce. A yellow napkin is partially visible underneath the plate.
Image Credit: The Short Order Cook

The combination of tangy lemon, fresh dill, and buttery sauce in this Creamy Lemon Dill Butter Chicken creates a dish that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s an easy, comforting meal that works for any night of the week. Pair it with rice for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Dill Butter Chicken

Ricotta Lemon Pasta

A white pot filled with creamy pasta topped with grated cheese, fresh herbs, and red chili flakes. Beside the pot are lemon halves, a small bowl of red chili flakes, and scattered herbs on a light-colored marble surface.
Image Credit: Chenée Today

This Ricotta Lemon Pasta blends creamy ricotta with a bright burst of lemon, giving you a quick, delicious dinner that feels light but flavorful. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a meal centered around citrus. Serve it with a salad for an easy, complete meal that’s perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

A plate of fettuccine pasta garnished with shrimp, peas, and finely chopped herbs, set on a dark ceramic plate. Fresh spinach leaves are scattered on the table, and a blurred backdrop shows additional ingredients, all contributing to a deliciously appetizing scene.
Image Credit: Chocolates & Chai

This Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps delivers a zesty lemon flavor that pairs perfectly with garlicky shrimp. It’s an easy way to create a dinner that feels light yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes

A close-up of a plate of golden, roasted potato wedges garnished with chopped parsley. The potatoes have a crispy exterior and are arranged on a white plate with a fork visible on the right side.
Image Credit: Cooking Gorgeous

Crispy and full of flavor, these Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes bring together tangy lemon and perfectly roasted potatoes. They’re a fantastic side dish when you want a burst of lemony goodness. Pair them with your favorite protein for a complete dinner meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Lemon & Mint Hazelnut Chicken

A white plate with breaded chicken tenders garnished with fresh mint leaves. The chicken appears to be coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and is topped with small bits of red onion. The dish is presented on a clean, white background.
Image Credit: Strength and Sunshine

This Lemon & Mint Hazelnut Chicken is bursting with bright lemon, fresh mint, and crunchy hazelnuts. It’s a unique blend of flavors that works beautifully for a dinner with bold, refreshing tastes. Pair it with roasted veggies for a balanced, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon & Mint Hazelnut Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

A close-up of shredded chicken in a creamy lemon sauce, garnished with lemon slices and sprinkled with herbs. The dish is presented in a black bowl, showcasing a rich and savory appearance.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

If you’re craving something rich and flavorful, this Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken is the way to go. The tangy lemon pairs with a creamy sauce for a comforting dish you’ll love. Serve it with rice or pasta for an easy, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

Lemon Water Spaghetti

A decorative blue and white plate containing a serving of spaghetti pasta garnished with finely chopped herbs and black pepper. A half lemon is placed beside the plate on a patterned white and blue tablecloth.
Image Credit: The Pasta Project

This Lemon Water Spaghetti brings a light, citrusy flavor to the table, using lemon water to keep the dish refreshing. The result is a simple pasta that’s perfect for any dinner. Serve with a salad for an easy meal that’s both fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Water Spaghetti

One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera

A plate of pasta with wide noodles is mixed with asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, and capers. A lemon half is in the background, along with stacked plates and cutlery on a cloth.
Image Credit: Craving Something Healthy

This One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera brings together fresh vegetables and wide ribbons of pasta, all in a single pot for easy cleanup. A hint of lemon brightens up the dish, making it perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner. The burst of citrus pairs beautifully with the seasonal veggies, making it a go-to option when you want something both fresh and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

A gray bowl of creamy risotto topped with asparagus and peas. The bowl is placed on a light-colored, patterned tablecloth with a fork beside it. In the background, there are lemon halves, fresh asparagus spears, and a wedge of cheese.
Image Credit: Caroline’s Cooking

This Lemon Asparagus Risotto blends creamy risotto with fresh asparagus and a burst of lemon flavor. It’s a perfect way to bring something bright and fresh to your dinner table. Pair it with grilled chicken for an easy, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon

A plate with a serving of cooked salmon topped with herbs, placed on a bed of rice. The salmon is surrounded by slices of carrots and white root vegetables. On the side, there are two lemon wedges and a sprig of parsley for garnish.
Image Credit: Kibitz Spot

This Mediterranean Baked Salmon uses lemon and capers to add a fresh, tangy kick to tender salmon. The dish is light, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for dinner. Plus, the lemon enhances the natural taste of the fish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Ramen

A white oval plate containing sliced cooked chicken breast garnished with rosemary, served on a bed of noodles with a lemon wedge. Sprigs of rosemary, lemon slices, a pepper mill, and an olive oil bottle are in the background, with a gray checkered cloth nearby.
Image Credit: Stef’s Eats and Sweets

This Lemon Rosemary Chicken Ramen takes the comfort of ramen and adds a bright lemon and rosemary flavor. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The lemon pairs beautifully with the savory broth and tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Chicken Ramen

Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf With Fresh Herbs

A skillet filled with fluffy lemon rice, garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices. The rice appears to be seasoned with herbs and aromatic spices, giving it a vibrant appearance.
Image Credit: Citrus Spot

The fresh herbs and lemon in this Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf make it an aromatic, flavorful side for any dinner. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something easy to pair with meat or vegetables. Plus, the bright lemon flavor adds just the right tang to keep it refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf With Fresh Herbs

Lemon Basil Orzo Salad

A vibrant pasta salad featuring diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh greens is served on a blue plate. Surrounding the plate are wooden utensils, a halved avocado, a lemon slice, a red cloth, and a small bowl of green dressing.
Image Credit: Joyful Balance

This Lemon Basil Orzo Salad is perfect when you want something light and fresh for dinner. The lemon and basil give it a bright flavor, making it a great side or even a main dish with some added protein. Plus, it’s quick to put together and perfect for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Salad

Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

A rectangular white plate holds four pieces of glazed chicken breast, garnished with chopped parsley. Lemon slices are placed on the plate's edges. The plate sits on a wooden surface with a metal grater and green-striped cloth beside it.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken brings together the sweetness of lemonade with a tangy lemon kick, creating a unique and fun dish for dinner. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it with a simple side for an effortless, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

Lemon Parmesan Ground Turkey Pasta

A square white plate with a decorative border holds a serving of rigatoni pasta mixed with ground sausage and garnished with fresh parsley. In the background, there is a sliced piece of bread with butter and a green and white cloth. The setting is on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Stef’s Eats and Sweets

This Lemon Parmesan Ground Turkey Pasta combines savory turkey with a fresh lemon kick, making it a great choice for dinner. The pasta is hearty, while the lemon keeps it bright and refreshing. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Parmesan Ground Turkey Pasta

Chicken Francaise

A skillet with cooked chicken breasts topped with lemon slices and sprinkled with chopped herbs in a creamy sauce.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Chicken Francaise combines tender chicken with a bright lemon sauce and white wine for a dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to make. The dish is light but still packs in a lot of flavor, perfect for any night. Serve it with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata

A close-up shot of chicken piccata. The dish features golden-brown, pan-fried chicken breasts garnished with lemon slices, capers, and chopped parsley, all topped with a light, buttery sauce. The chicken looks tender and well-seasoned.
Image Credit: Golden Grace Kitchen

The tangy lemon sauce in this Gluten Free Chicken Piccata makes it a refreshing and light option for dinner. It’s perfect for those who want a gluten-free recipe that still packs in a lot of flavor. Serve it with your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Chicken Piccata

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A white plate with two nest-like servings of creamy pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves and black pepper. A fork rests on the side of the plate. A cut lemon and a sprig of basil are placed on the burlap table background for decoration.
Image Credit: The Pasta Project

In this Lemon Ricotta Pasta, the smooth ricotta perfectly complements the zesty lemon, creating a fresh and satisfying dish. It’s a great option for dinner when you want something quick but flavorful. With simple ingredients, it’s an easy go-to for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

Four bowls of pasta salad sit on a wooden table. The salad consists of curly pasta, greens, and pieces of chicken, garnished with chopped herbs. A fork rests in one of the bowls. In the background, there’s a halved lemon and vegetables including a zucchini.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, buttery pasta, and fresh lemon, making it a comforting and flavorful dinner. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze to put together, perfect for busy nights. Add some veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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