If you’re craving something bright, zesty, and absolutely impossible to stop twirling on your fork, Lemon Chicken Pasta is that dish! Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a luxurious lemony sauce that’s equal parts creamy, savory, and vibrantly fresh. With a handful of simple ingredients that come together in under an hour, this recipe is your answer to busy weeknights, impressive date nights, or whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Lemon Chicken Pasta is pure comfort with a fabulous citrus twist—trust me, it’s about to become a staple at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Chicken Pasta is in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and pure deliciousness. Don’t skip on the fresh lemon, real garlic, and a hearty splash of cream; they’re what make this dish sing.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced thinly for quick, juicy cooking that soaks up the sauce.
- Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine—pick your favorite long pasta, as it’s ideal for catching every drop of the sauce.
- Fresh lemon: Zest and juice bring brightness and that unmistakable zing, so use a ripe, juicy lemon for best results.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced finely, infuses the whole dish with warmth and aroma.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness, creating a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken and garlic, it provides a touch of fruity flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key, adding salty, savory depth and the perfect creamy finish.
- Chicken broth: This gives body to the sauce and enhances the dish’s overall savory flavor.
- Butter: Just a pat for flavor and a glossy finish—don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component, ensuring each bite pops with flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and scattered over the top adds color and a burst of herby freshness.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips—this helps them cook quickly while staying juicy. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Having the chicken prepped before you start anything else means you can make the whole dish smoothly, in one continuous flow.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook until just al dente; you want it with a bit of bite, since it’ll finish in the sauce. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can loosen or unite the sauce perfectly later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a big skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer, giving each piece some room to sear—don’t crowd them! Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate. Those lovely brown bits left behind are packed with flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, add a touch more olive oil if needed, and toss in the garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant (careful not to burn it!). Stir in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift all those delicious bits. Simmer for 2 minutes, then add the heavy cream and butter, stirring until silky and combined.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Finish
Here comes the magic! Add the lemon zest and juice right into the simmering sauce. Toss the cooked chicken back in, along with the drained pasta. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, gently tossing everything so the sauce coats every strand. If needed, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as desired, and top with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous flurry of freshly grated parmesan, extra lemon zest, and a scatter of chopped parsley really turn Lemon Chicken Pasta into something restaurant-worthy. If you want to be extra, add a twist of cracked black pepper or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish is a standout on its own, but it plays beautifully with a simple arugula salad (tossed with olive oil and more lemon), buttery garlic bread, or some roasted asparagus. The salad’s peppery greens or the bread’s garlicky crunch make Lemon Chicken Pasta sing even louder.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, twirl the pasta into little nests with tongs and plate individually, laying a few glorious chicken strips on each. Or, serve family-style in a big shallow bowl with lemon wedges tucked around the sides for added pop. For lunchboxes or picnics, try packing leftovers in jars—delightfully portable and still full of flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any Lemon Chicken Pasta leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors become even more melded overnight, making for a ridiculously good next-day lunch!
Freezing
While dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, you can freeze Lemon Chicken Pasta if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers—just know the texture will be creamier and fresher if enjoyed within a month.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, broth, or water to re-emulsify the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but do it in short bursts and stir to keep it creamy. Finish with a squeeze of lemon before serving, to brighten everything right back up!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful. Just slice and sauté them as you would breasts—they’re a delicious swap in Lemon Chicken Pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream) and use a vegan parmesan. The results are still satisfyingly creamy, though the flavor profile shifts a bit.
What pasta shapes work best with Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic since they capture the sauce so nicely, but honestly, short shapes like penne or rigatoni work too if you’re using what you have on hand.
How much lemon should I use for the brightest flavor?
This is flexible! Start with the zest and juice of one lemon, then add more to taste after tossing the pasta. Some like it subtle, others want the full citrus punch; you can always serve extra wedges on the side.
Can I add veggies to Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli are tasty additions. Just stir them in right before combining everything, so they meld into the sauce just right.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that just brings people together—easy enough for busy chefs, yet special enough for celebrations. Make it once, and I bet you’ll crave it again and again. Can’t wait to hear how it brightens up your dinner table!
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bright, zesty lemon sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz. linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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