If you’re in the mood for something bright and comforting that still feels utterly luxurious, this Lemon Chicken Pasta fits the bill in every possible way. Silky noodles are tossed in a creamy, lemon-kissed sauce with golden seared chicken, savory Parmesan, and a pop of fresh garlic—the result is a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. This dish is pure happiness on a plate, and you won’t believe how quickly it comes together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Lemon Chicken Pasta plays an essential role, from the punchy lemon and rich cream to perfectly cooked pasta and the savory depth of Parmesan. As you gather everything, you’ll see how these simple staples combine for a restaurant-quality meal in just about 30 minutes.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti provides the perfect base for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-size pieces, they cook quickly and become golden and juicy.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps create that golden crust on the chicken.
- Garlic: A must-have for depth and aroma; fresh minced garlic brings everything together.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a gentle herby note that plays nicely against the zestiness of the lemon.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every component, bringing out all the flavors.
- Chicken broth: Builds body and savory undertones into the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to making the sauce creamy and decadent—substitute with light cream if you’d like a lighter result.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and rich, it melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a real flavor punch.
- Lemon zest: Just the peel; this is where that fresh, zippy lemon aroma comes from.
- Lemon juice: Bright, tangy, and the heart of the dish’s sunny personality (you’ll need about 3 tablespoons from one large lemon).
- Butter: Stirred in at the end, it smooths out the sauce and brings everything together.
- Fresh parsley: Bright green herbs for a pretty finish and a touch of freshness.
- Extra Parmesan: For the top—because a little extra cheese is always a good thing!
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook it to that perfect al dente texture—just until it has a little bite. Drain well and set aside, reserving a bit of the cooking water, just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and plenty of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and, once shimmering, add the chicken. Let the pieces brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that gorgeous golden color, then give them a turn and keep sautéing until fully cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes total.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
As soon as your chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly and let it cook just until fragrant—about a minute. Be vigilant; garlic goes from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Step 4: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden, flavor-packed bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and let everything bubble together for 2 to 3 minutes. Once it’s all silky and the cheese has melted, swirl in the butter for a final touch of richness, stirring until the sauce is smooth and dreamy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet, tossing and swirling to evenly coat every strand in that luxurious sauce. If you notice things getting a bit too thick, just splash in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water until it’s perfect. Let everything mingle for another minute or two so the flavors really soak into the pasta.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Turn off the heat and shower your Lemon Chicken Pasta with chopped fresh parsley and—even better—more Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot and watch the smiles happen!
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese instantly makes your Lemon Chicken Pasta pop on the plate. For some extra flair, add a twist of lemon zest or a scattering of cracked black pepper just before serving. It looks stunning and tastes even better!
Side Dishes
This bright and creamy pasta is wonderful with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, some garlicky sautéed spinach, or roasted broccoli all make terrific accompaniments. And don’t forget warm, crusty bread—you’ll definitely want it for mopping up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a dinner party, try twirling individual portions using a carving fork and placing each “nest” on a plate. Top with sliced lemon rounds and extra parsley. For a casual meal, serve it family-style in a giant bowl at the center of your table and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop even more as it sits! Just be sure to let it cool before storing, to avoid condensation making things soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, divide the cooled pasta into individual portions and seal well. The sauce may separate slightly when thawed due to the cream, but stirring in a splash of fresh cream or chicken broth as you reheat will help bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add the pasta to a saucepan over low to medium heat, along with a tablespoon or two of water, broth, or cream. Stir frequently until hot and creamy again. The microwave also works for smaller portions, just cover and heat gently to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Chicken Pasta with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Simply shred or chop rotisserie chicken and add it after the garlic step. It’s a fantastic shortcut for extra-busy nights and gives you all the flavor with hardly any effort.
What type Main Course
Linguine and spaghetti are both classic choices for Lemon Chicken Pasta, allowing the silky sauce to wrap around each strand. You can also swap in penne or fettuccine if that’s what you have in your pantry.
How can I lighten up the sauce?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or light cream for the heavy cream. You can also use less Parmesan or add more chicken broth. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, just a bit less rich.
Is Lemon Chicken Pasta good for meal prep?
It’s a great meal prep option! The sauce thickens a bit as it sits, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating. Portion out into containers for easy work lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or peas at the end, just before adding the pasta. It’s an easy way to boost nutrition and sneak in more color and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that brings a burst of fresh lemon, creamy comfort, and savory chicken to your table in under 30 minutes, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is calling your name. Give it a try—you’re going to want to make it part of your regular rotation!
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: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and tangy flavors of this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious lemon cream sauce with tender bites of chicken – a delightful dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Pasta:
Chicken:
Sauce:
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden.
- Make the sauce: Add garlic, broth, cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer and stir in butter.
- Combine: Toss pasta in sauce until heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add spinach or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
- Use light cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
