If you are searching for a fresh, comforting, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy chicken pieces with a luscious, creamy lemon sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe hits every note of flavor and texture that make for a memorable meal. The zing of fresh lemon juice paired with the subtle richness of Parmesan cheese creates a vibrant dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s an absolute favorite that you’ll want to make again and again for family, friends, or a lovely night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe are simple yet essential, with each one playing an important role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, colors, and textures. From the bright citrus notes to the comforting creaminess, every component contributes to what makes this dish so special.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite type for the perfect base to soak up that creamy lemon sauce.
- Salt, for boiling water: Essential for seasoning the pasta and enhancing its natural flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides tender, protein-packed bites throughout the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: A pinch to season the chicken and balance the flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice without overpowering the lemon.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant depth that complements the citrus beautifully.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and keeps it light.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings silky creaminess and richness that marry perfectly with the tang of lemon.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Delivers an intense burst of fresh lemon flavor and a lovely aroma.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens the sauce and adds that irresistible citrus punch.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides savory umami that enriches the sauce and ties the flavors together.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed): Helps loosen the sauce to your desired creaminess and ensures everything clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a vibrant pop of green and a fresh herbal note.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For garnishing and taking the flavor up a notch at the very end.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt is crucial here as it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your choice of pasta—whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine—and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water, which you’ll use later to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. This step develops flavor through caramelization and ensures your chicken remains tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, leave the flavorful bits from the chicken behind and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors. Then, stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, letting everything simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. This forms a silky, tangy sauce that perfectly balances creaminess and brightness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully so every piece is coated in that gorgeous lemon cream sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until the texture feels just right—luxuriously creamy without being heavy. Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes, enhancing the dish with savory depth and a smooth finish.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to bring this dish to life visually and flavor-wise is with garnishes. Freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of green that brightens the presentation and delivers a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. A generous shower of extra Parmesan cheese on top brings an irresistible salty kick, making every forkful melt in your mouth.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely. A crusty bread on the side also works wonders to scoop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling the noodles with a fork to create a neat nest so that every bite showcases the tender chicken and sauce. Garnish creatively with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will thicken as it cools, so when you’re ready to eat, thoughtful reheating will bring it back to its luscious texture.
Freezing
Freezing this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is possible but not ideal because the cream sauce can separate after thawing. If you must freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as you warm it slowly. This method helps maintain the creamy consistency without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works beautifully with spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta. Just choose your favorite and adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead. The lemon flavor will still shine, giving you a delicious dairy-free version.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or a bit more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, prepare the sauce fresh and combine everything before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons for the zest and juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to the vibrant flavor of this dish, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice and dried lemon zest. Just use a bit less bottled juice as it tends to be more concentrated.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe enough for anyone who loves bright, comforting meals that come together quickly and satisfy every craving. It’s a fantastic weeknight go-to or a crowd-pleaser that works for entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorites, and I’m sure it will be yours too. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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-American
Description
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining tender bite-sized chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon-infused sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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, then cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water as needed if you prefer a creamier sauce consistency.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy lemon chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes best in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
