There’s something truly irresistible about the perfect balance of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich creaminess all tossed together with tender chicken and hearty pasta. This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers that comfort-food magic in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends. Each bite bursts with vibrant citrus notes mellowed by a luscious, velvety sauce, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable, crave-worthy dish that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients ensures this dish is flavorful and comforting. Each component plays a starring role, from the juicy chicken breasts that bring protein and substance, to the garlic and lemon that lift and brighten the sauce, and of course, the creamy elements that make every forkful a luxurious experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender, these form the hearty protein base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for a golden, flavorful sear on the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle savory boost for the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional): Offers gentle herbal notes that complement the garlic perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich starter to the silky sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, the heart of the garlic flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its indulgent, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds savory warmth and helps balance the cream.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Provides a bright, citrusy punch to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon): The fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness with lively acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Delivers subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding nuttiness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, green pop of color and flavor at the end.
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice): The perfect vehicle to carry the luscious sauce.
- Salt for pasta water: To season the pasta from within while cooking.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente. This gives the perfect bite and texture, preventing mushiness when combined with the saucy chicken mixture. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — it’s a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later on without losing flavor.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, generously season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. This simple seasoning blend builds layers of flavor that beautifully complement the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through, juicy and tender inside. Remove it from the pan to rest, capturing all those delicious juices for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned—this step is where the garlic oil infuses the base of your sauce with irresistible aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and simmering gently so the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency perfect for coating pasta.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Seasonings
Stir in fresh lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. This is the moment when the sauce truly comes alive, balancing rich creaminess with the bright, zingy freshness of lemon. Let it simmer a bit longer so all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if it feels too thick. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, creamy, and perfectly smooth. Finally, mix in the sliced chicken, ensuring every bite has tender chicken and plenty of sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright green contrast and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness. Extra Parmesan cheese isn’t just welcome, it’s encouraged—it melts slightly on the warm pasta, adding savory depth and that irresistible cheesy glow.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add crunch and freshness. A warm piece of crusty bread is a must-have to soak up every last drop of the creamy lemon garlic sauce, turning each meal into a satisfying, well-rounded experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for those who love an extra citrus kick. You can also top it with toasted pine nuts or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to add texture or a bit of heat without overpowering the gentle, creamy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners that still feel special.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the sauce, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine and spaghetti work beautifully, but feel free to experiment with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free options depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemons?
If fresh lemons aren’t on hand, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, though fresh is best for brightness and zest. You can skip the zest if unavailable, but it adds a beautiful citrus aroma worth including next time you shop.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and slice the chicken ahead of time and even prepare the sauce in advance. Just warm everything gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep that fresh, vibrant taste and perfect texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnishing with fresh chopped chili peppers adds a lovely heat that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy lemon garlic flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe truly brings simple ingredients to life with bold flavor and cozy comfort. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or hosting guests who deserve something special, this dish always delivers. Don’t hesitate—grab those lemons, garlic, and pasta, and create a beautiful, delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic 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
Description
A luscious and creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts and a rich, tangy sauce made with heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe combines the zest of fresh lemon with the warmth of garlic and herbs, tossed with al dente fettuccine for a comforting, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme for added flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and allow to rest before slicing.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice or cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces to be mixed into the pasta.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and adjust the sauce consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Chicken: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns creamy. Fold in the sliced chicken, mixing well to combine evenly throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Dish the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness and acidity.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silkier texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
