If you’re searching for a dinner that truly sings with flavor, look no further than this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s bright, comforting, and decadently creamy, combining tender pieces of chicken, fresh lemon juice, and a swirl of Parmesan into a pasta dish that tastes like pure sunshine. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of zesty brightness and cozy, creamy goodness. Trust me, this is one you’ll keep coming back to—especially when you want something easy but guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is its simple ingredient list—each one has a purpose and brings something special to the table, from the tang of fresh lemon to the savory bite of Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need and what makes each element shine.
- Pasta: Choose spaghetti, linguine, or penne—each gives great texture and soaks up all that lovely sauce.
- Olive Oil: A splash start for sautéing and keeps things light yet flavorful.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces so every forkful grabs some tender chicken.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
- Garlic: When sautéed, it becomes aromatic and adds a crucial depth to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Give the dish a subtle, peppy heat—adjust to your taste.
- Chicken Broth: Builds a savory backbone for the sauce, making it rich but not heavy.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeezed from about two lemons, this is the star that brings brightness and zing.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a fragrant, floral punch that takes the lemon flavor over the top.
- Heavy Cream: Balances the lemon and gives the sauce a silky, lush finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, salty backbone and gorgeous melt in the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Swirled in at the end for glossy richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for fresh color and herbal finish.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta shape according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a bit of the cooking water—just in case your sauce needs a splash of thinning later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper, then add the pieces to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, letting all those flavorful juices rest.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those little browned bits add tons of flavor!), add your minced garlic and, if you like a little kick, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—it should smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Add Liquids and Lemon
Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the pan, scraping up those golden bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the lemon zest, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. This creates the foundation of your zippy, savory sauce.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and drop in the butter. Stir gently as everything melts together, transforming into a smooth, silky sauce that’s lusciously thick and coats the back of your spoon.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the chicken (plus any juices from the plate!) back into the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta, then use tongs to gently mix everything until each strand is deliciously coated with sauce and chunks of chicken are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, taste for seasoning, and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. Pile your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe onto plates or a big serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for color and a hit of fresh flavor. Dive in while it’s hot!
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For the final touch, a shower of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also try a bit of extra lemon zest or even an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. These little finishing touches wake up all the flavors and make the dish look inviting and oh-so-fresh.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich and satisfying, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a mild vinaigrette or roasted asparagus brings freshness to the meal without overwhelming it. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to up the wow factor, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a pretty twist of pasta in the center, topped with a slice of lemon and a tiny sprig of parsley. For a dinner party, present the dish family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe leftovers is a breeze. Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great lunch option for the next day.
Freezing
While pasta with a creamy sauce isn’t always ideal for freezing, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce needs loosening. Avoid microwaving if possible, but if you’re short on time, use low power and stir often for the creamiest result.
FAQs
Can I make this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, and double-check to ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You’ll still get a creamy sauce, but with a bit less richness and fewer calories.
Can I add vegetables to the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible. Toss in baby spinach, bright green peas, or tender asparagus tips during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. They soak up the sauce perfectly!
Is this recipe good with other proteins?
While chicken is perfect here, shrimp is a delicious alternative, and cooked rotisserie chicken makes the process even faster on busy nights. You could even use cooked turkey or tofu if you prefer.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater for zesting lemons, making sure only to take the thin yellow skin and avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the lemon before you juice it for the easiest handling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that’s simple to make yet feels extra special every time you serve it. With its fresh, creamy sauce and vibrant flavor, this recipe might just become your new weeknight staple. Let your kitchen fill with the scent of lemon and garlic, and dig into a bowl of pure comfort!
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, then add broth, lemon juice, zest, cream, cheese, and butter. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add spinach, asparagus, or peas for extra veggies.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
