If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and comforting creaminess, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Imagine tender, juicy pieces of chicken nestled in a luscious, tangy lemon cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—it’s a harmony of flavors and textures that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time. This recipe is simple yet impressive, delivering sunshine in every bite and guaranteed to brighten up any meal with its zesty charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender chicken to the vibrant lemon zest and smooth cream, every component brings something special to the table—making the dish balanced, flavorful, and visually inviting.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Salt, for boiling water: Essential for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a rich base for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The hearty protein that makes this pasta a fulfilling meal.
- ½ tsp salt: To season the chicken perfectly.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic depth.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base for the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky, indulgent texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Packs a punch of bright citrus aroma without the acidity.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy contrast that livens up the entire dish.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering a nutty, creamy finish.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed): Helps loosen the sauce for perfect creaminess and coat every strand of pasta.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of green color and a mild herbal note for freshness.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible finishing touch on top.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta of your choice until it’s al dente. This means your pasta will be tender but still have a slight bite, which is key to holding up well once tossed in the luscious sauce. Don’t forget to set aside half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavor, then add them to the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s gorgeously golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about one minute. This step releases the garlic’s wonderful aroma without burning it. Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor. Then, stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice; let the sauce gently bubble until it thickens up a bit into a silky, tangy base.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together with care to evenly coat each pasta strand and piece of chicken. If the sauce seems too thick or sticky, splash in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and unite all the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your Lemon Chicken Pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the bright, comforting magic of this dish.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, adding a lovely pop of green and freshness that balances the rich sauce. Extra Parmesan on top creates a satisfying cheesy crust as it melts slightly. You might also consider a light drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides to complement its creamy goodness. Think a fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for mopping up every last drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, twirl portions of pasta around a fork and stand them upright on the plate, topping each bundle with a few chicken pieces and a sprig of parsley. Using a shallow bowl helps contain the sauce and makes the dish feel cozy and inviting. Adding thin lemon slices or zest curls can enhance the visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. The pasta will absorb some sauce over time, so it might thicken a bit and need a splash of liquid when reheating.
Freezing
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes well but can lose some creaminess upon thawing. If you want to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers without extra garnish, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave while stirring often.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth, cream, or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine are great choices, feel free to experiment with other shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to cook them al dente to hold the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture but will still be delicious.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinating the chicken briefly in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking boosts flavor wonderfully. You can also add Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for an extra taste dimension.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas make great additions and add freshness and color. Add them towards the end of cooking or sauté them alongside the garlic for best results.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth until it loosens up to your preferred consistency. This trick keeps the sauce silky and ensures it clings beautifully to your pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe—it brings brightness, creaminess, and the perfect comfort-food vibe all in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that feels special yet easy enough to whip up any night of the week. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of this sunshine-infused pasta magic. You won’t regret it!
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked to golden perfection, tossed with al dente pasta in a flavorful sauce of garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, and juice. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a bright, comforting weeknight dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling water
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare your pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, preparing it for cooking chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add them to the hot skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer Chicken Broth: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, enriching the base of your sauce.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to incorporate well with the sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you prefer a creamier sauce consistency, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes more until it melts evenly through the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious lemon chicken pasta!
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the bright citrus flavor of the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce texture and consistency.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Pasta types such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work well with this recipe.
- Stir regularly to prevent the garlic and sauce from sticking or burning in the skillet.
