If you’re craving a comforting dish that bursts with bright citrus flavor and creamy goodness, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe deserves a spot at your table. It comes together in just 30 minutes, yet every bite tastes like something you’d find at your favorite cozy bistro. Succulent chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce kissed with lemon zest make for a meal that feels both refreshing and satisfyingly rich. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely gathering, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to win hearts and appetites alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this meal is how unfussy the ingredients are—each one plays a starring role in delivering unmatched flavor, creamy texture, and that telltale lemony brightness. Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh add-ins come together to create truly craveworthy results!
- Pasta: Use linguine or penne for that perfect balance of sauce “cling” and tender bite—both work beautifully here.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness that helps brown the chicken and bloom the garlic’s aroma.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless cubes cook quickly and soak up all those zesty flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the lemon bright notes.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring depth and a savory boost—freshly minced is always best.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle thrum of heat that perks up the creamy sauce.
- Lemon Zest: The zest adds incredible citrus aroma—be sure to zest before juicing your lemon!
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for tangy freshness—avoid bottled juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chicken Broth: It stretches and intensifies the sauce, adding a savory backbone that pairs with the lemon.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce—swap with half-and-half for something lighter.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a touch of color and lively flavor right before serving.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta shape until just al dente. Remember to scoop out about half a cup of the cooking water and set it aside—this starchy liquid can help loosen and bind your sauce later. Drain the pasta and keep it handy while you get the chicken and sauce going.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Grab a large skillet and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil is warming, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, and let it cook undisturbed until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 6 to 8 minutes. Toss occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Once the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, sprinkle in the minced garlic and, if you love a gentle kick, the red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about a minute—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. The aroma at this stage will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Step 4: Add Lemon and Broth
Now, stir in the fragrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. Scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the skillet—they add loads of flavor. Let everything simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes so the tangy lemon and savory broth meld, infusing the chicken with a burst of citrus.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly as the cheese melts and the sauce gently thickens—the kitchen will start to smell truly irresistible at this point! Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to.
Step 6: Toss and Finish
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce feels thick, stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until silky and glossy. Just before serving, shower over plenty of fresh chopped parsley for color and a pop of freshness.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a zesting of fresh lemon, or an extra shake of parsley on top makes this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe look as bright and inviting as it tastes. Try a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper for a little bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs well with crisp green salads, garlicky roasted vegetables, or a simple loaf of warm, crusty bread to soak up every dribble of sauce. If you’re having a dinner party, a glass of chilled white wine is the perfect complement!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a large, shallow pasta bowl piled high and twirled like a restaurant, or portion out individual servings with a lemon wheel or parsley sprig for extra charm. For family meals, bring the skillet right to the table—nothing gets people excited like a dramatic skillet of Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe fresh from the stove!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge, and the flavors only meld and deepen as it sits!
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Just know the texture of the sauce may be a touch less silky after freezing, but the flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm slowly in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring gently until everything is warmed through. For single servings, the microwave works—just cover loosely and stop to stir halfway to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine or penne are classic, any medium pasta shape—think fettuccine, rigatoni, or even fusilli—will hold the creamy lemon sauce well. Just be sure to adjust boiling times as different shapes cook at different speeds.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the heavy cream?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a can of full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free creamer. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still coat the pasta beautifully and taste fantastic.
How do I make this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—they’re widely available now and work great here. Double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan to make sure they’re gluten-free too, and you’re all set.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach or frozen peas with the cream and cheese for color and a nutritional boost. Broccoli or asparagus also work nicely; just blanch them briefly with the pasta before tossing everything together.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons for this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
While fresh lemons are best for that zingy flavor, in a pinch you can use bottled lemon juice and a little extra zest if you have it. The result will still be tasty, just a little less aromatic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s equally weeknight-easy and celebration-worthy, give this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe a place in your meal rotation. It’s vibrant, creamy, and loved by all ages—a true crowd pleaser you’ll come back to again and again!
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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, tangy lemon, and savory Parmesan come together in a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as linguine or penne)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, saving some pasta water.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken, cook until golden, then add garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Simmer.
- Make the sauce: Add cream and Parmesan. Toss in pasta, add reserved water as needed. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with spinach or peas for added vegetables.
- Leftovers can be reheated with a bit of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
