If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with creamy indulgence, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken pieces mingle with tangy lemon juice and zest, creating a vibrant sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. It’s straightforward to make yet feels impressively fresh and restaurant-quality, making it my go-to when I want a dish that’s both comforting and lively. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, which means you can enjoy this delightful dinner any night of the week without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is satisfying and bright.
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne): Choose your favorite shape to soak up that luscious lemon sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, easy-to-eat protein.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a wonderful aromatic base to the sauce, complementing the lemon’s brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides savoriness to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): The star of the show, delivering fresh citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety, creamy texture that makes the dish feel indulgent.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Smooths and enriches the sauce for that perfect finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Delivers a fresh herbal note and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches perfect al dente texture. Drain it well and set it aside, making sure not to rinse the pasta so it can absorb more of that delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Cook them in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and are cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that garlic aroma filling the kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s flavor gold right there! Stir in the lemon zest, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken slightly. This creamy, lemony sauce is the heart of the dish and truly what makes this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully so the pasta gets equally coated with the sauce, and the chicken pieces mix throughout. Heat it just until warmed through—don’t overcook, or the pasta may become mushy.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also a refreshing herbal contrast to the tangy lemon sauce. For an extra touch, consider adding a little more grated Parmesan or even some cracked black pepper to finish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables. A crusty slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll can complete the meal perfectly, soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful presentation, serve the pasta nestled in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side. You can also layer it with sautéed spinach or peas mixed in for a burst of color and extra nutrition. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can add a final shine and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely as it rests, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While cream-based pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately in airtight freezer containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh sauce to keep that fresh lemony zing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it seems thickened. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream from breaking and the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken breasts for another protein?
Absolutely! This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream and butter for coconut cream and olive oil, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
You certainly can. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quicker version of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. Add it in during the final step to just warm through in the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Any long or short pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or penne absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully. Choose your favorite or what you already have on hand for easy weeknight dinners.
How can I add veggies to this dish?
Adding fresh or frozen peas, baby spinach, or lightly steamed asparagus spears mixes in great texture and nutrition, enhancing the freshness of the lemon sauce without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet it’s fresh and vibrant enough to feel like springtime no matter the season. It’s simple enough to make any evening, but special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful and creamy dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with al dente pasta, all coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce made with fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Stir in lemon zest and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, effortless preparation.
- Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
