If you love a cozy bowl of pasta that feels both indulgent and refreshing, Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the dish you need in your weeknight rotation. Imagine tender strips of seasoned chicken, a silky lemon-infused sauce, and al dente pasta all coming together for a meal that’s as comforting as it is vibrant. The brightness of fresh lemon, the aromatic garlic, and that irresistible creaminess make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking to impress friends, this pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is how every ingredient plays an important role. Each one is simple on its own, but together they create the ultimate balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors. Having everything prepped and ready will make this recipe a breeze.
- Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or linguine): Use your favorite long pasta for the perfect sauce-to-noodle ratio and a satisfying twirl.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich base flavor for sautéing the chicken, while keeping it moist and golden.
- Chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds, boneless & skinless, cut into strips): The star protein—slicing into strips ensures even cooking and lots of surface area for seasoning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and depth to both chicken and sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the chicken.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture and buttery finish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The backbone of the dish’s aroma—don’t be shy here!
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth without making the sauce too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for bold flavor and extra creaminess.
- Lemon (juice and zest of 1): Fresh citrus lifts the whole dish and balances the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like a little kick, sprinkle these in for gentle heat.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package directions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this is your ticket to a perfectly silky sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then add them to the skillet. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll be bringing it back soon!
Step 3: Build the Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any golden bits left from the chicken. This is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Dreamy
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, letting everything meld together into a harmonious blend of tangy, garlicky goodness. If the sauce seems a bit thick, that reserved pasta water will come to the rescue.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every noodle in that glorious sauce. Drizzle in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if you’d like to loosen the sauce further. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss again so each piece is lovingly coated. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top, and serve immediately for the ultimate Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta experience.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A shower of extra grated Parmesan and a final flourish of fresh parsley make this dish look as good as it tastes. For a zesty punch, add a few curls of lemon zest right before serving to enhance the citrus aroma. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is a beautiful—and delicious—touch.
Side Dishes
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a welcome addition, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make fresh, colorful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the pasta family-style on a large platter, with sliced chicken fanned out on top. Or, twirl individual portions into nests with tongs, placing chicken and garnishes on each plate for a bistro-worthy look. If you’re hosting, consider using colorful pasta bowls and adding lemon wedges on the side for a custom citrus hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it chills, but it will still be delicious when reheated. For best results, let the pasta cool completely before storing.
Freezing
While creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to one month. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth again. You can also microwave individual portions, stopping to stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Add a fresh sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are classic choices for Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta, feel free to use spaghetti, penne, or even a gluten-free option if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat Parmesan. You can also toss in extra veggies like spinach or asparagus to boost nutrition and freshness.
What can I use instead of chicken?
This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—seafood and veggies will cook faster than chicken.
How do I avoid curdling the sauce?
Make sure to reduce the heat to medium or low before adding the cream and cheese. Whisk constantly and don’t let the sauce boil, as high heat can cause dairy to separate. Adding the reserved pasta water helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cut the chicken and prep the garlic, lemon, and parsley in advance. Even the chicken can be seasoned ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making the final assembly lightning fast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade bowl of Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta—it’s a dish that brings people together with its comforting flavors and cheerful brightness. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try and let its fresh, creamy magic win you over!
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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed to perfection and tossed in a luscious lemon-infused garlic cream sauce. Combined with perfectly cooked fettuccine, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe creates a rich yet refreshing dinner that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend treat.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sauté the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and begins to thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, using the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Reintroduce Chicken: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, tangy chicken pasta.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of cream cheese along with the Parmesan cheese during the sauce preparation.
- Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by adding vegetables such as fresh spinach or asparagus to the pasta before combining with the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lighter cream option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
