If you’re craving a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, this pasta balances brightness and comfort perfectly. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that turns simple pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner any night of the week. Once you try this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, it just might become your go-to for impressing friends or treating yourself to something deliciously fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for that luscious creaminess and vibrant citrus zing. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy chicken pieces to the fresh lemon zest that elevates the whole dish.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all the lemony sauce.
- Salt, for boiling water: Helps season the pasta right from the start.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star protein that keeps the dish hearty.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a hint of spice.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture throughout.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Packs intense citrus brightness without the sourness.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Gives that fresh, tangy kick.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed): Perfect for loosening and marrying sauce and pasta.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For garnishing and extra cheesy goodness.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is crucial for properly seasoning your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture where it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid will help blend the sauce and pasta beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to ensure each bite is flavorful. Add them to the skillet, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the chicken golden brown on the outside and cooked through but juicy inside. Once done, set the chicken aside—don’t worry, it will reunite with the sauce soon!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant—garlic is such a game-changer here, giving the sauce an incredible aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating flavor. Next up, stir in the heavy cream along with bright lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Allow this to simmer another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a beautifully creamy consistency that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Now for the best part: adding the cooked pasta and juicy chicken back into the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat every bite. If you want it silkier, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Finally, fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook the whole dish for another 1 to 2 minutes until those flavors meld into a perfectly creamy, tangy masterpiece. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan for that inviting final touch.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley on top gives your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe an inviting splash of green, balancing the rich, creamy sauce. More Parmesan cheese adds delicious, melty notes, making every bite decadently cheesy. A few lemon slices on the side can accentuate the citrus theme elegantly, perfect if you want your presentation to impress.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, offer great texture contrast and earthiness that complements the tangy chicken pasta. Crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up any extra luscious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning look, twirl portions of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe into individual nests on your plates. Add a little extra Parmesan or a sprig of parsley on top for that restaurant-style finish. Serve it in small bowls for a cozy family gathering or upscale dinner party—either way, it’s bound to charm your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor the citrusy goodness even the next day. Just be sure to keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate from the chicken to preserve texture. While freezing is possible, freshly made tastes far superior, and freezing may slightly change the cream sauce’s texture. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the dairy from separating. This way, your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes almost as vibrant as when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine are recommended, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly but still deliver a delicious meal.
How can I make the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to introduce a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
You can prep the chicken and cook pasta a few hours ahead, then combine with sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful for your guests.
What if I want a lighter version of this recipe?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt (stirred in off heat to prevent curdling), and use less oil for sautéing. This makes the dish but still maintains a rich lemony taste you’ll love.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s that delightful balance of fresh lemon brightness, creamy comfort, and tender chicken that feels like a warm, satisfying hug. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish ticks all the boxes. So grab your ingredients and dive into this joyful cooking adventure—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A bright and creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken breasts with zesty lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying 25-minute meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling water
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken: Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and lemon: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together.
- Adjust consistency: Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamier sauce.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 more minutes until well combined and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps in achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness — adjust quantity according to taste.
- Can be garnished with additional herbs like basil or chives for variation.
