Lemon Chicken Pasta

A bright and zesty dish with tender chicken and pasta coated in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. The perfect balance of fresh flavors makes this a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bright and fresh flavors – A delicious balance of creamy and citrusy.
• One-pan convenience – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Versatile – Works with different pasta shapes and proteins.
• Family-friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
3. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the lemon sauce.
2. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is coated in the sauce.

5. Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add more Parmesan or mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work great, but any pasta will do.

3. Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes! Use extra chicken broth or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter version.

4. How do I make this dish more lemony?

Increase the lemon zest and juice for a stronger citrus flavor.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, cook fresh and store leftovers properly.

6. What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking—remove from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.

7. Can I add garlic butter to enhance the flavor?

Yes! Adding garlic butter will give the dish a richer, more savory taste.

8. What sides pair well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.

9. Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Yes! Replace some of the chicken broth with dry white wine for extra depth.

10. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure to add the lemon juice after the cream has warmed up, stirring constantly.

Conclusion

Lemon chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a go-to meal for busy families and pasta lovers alike. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors!

Lemon Chicken Pasta

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This Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick, creamy, and zesty dish perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken bites, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-infused cream sauce come together in just 25 minutes. A family-friendly, one-pan meal that’s both light and comforting!

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Chicken:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lemon 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)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to the skillet.
6. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce:

8. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
9. Pour in chicken broth, simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
10. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything:

11. Add pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet.
12. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a creamier consistency.
13. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 more minutes until well combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

14. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired