Nothing beats a comforting yet refreshing plate that brightens up your dinner table like this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. It perfectly combines the tangy zest of fresh lemon with tender chicken and creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe effortlessly strikes the perfect balance between vibrant flavors and comforting richness, making it an instant favorite for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the wonderful harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish so special—from the pasta’s tender bite to the citrusy tang that enlivens every mouthful.
- 8 oz pasta of choice: Fettuccine or spaghetti works beautifully, creating the perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for quick and even cooking with maximum juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky, fruity richness and helps brown the chicken nicely.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the acidity of the lemon.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat that complements the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses a taste of the Mediterranean.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic depth that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly, adding savory flavor without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens every bite with fresh citrus zing.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with an extra punch of aroma and bitterness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, salty richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky, glossy texture and indulgent taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant color for garnish.
- Lemon slices: Beautiful and functional garnish that invites an extra squeeze of citrus at the table.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key for perfectly seasoned pasta that isn’t bland. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that amazing sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook The Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken breasts and slice them into strips for even and quick cooking. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to pack in layers of flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, roughly 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté The Garlic
Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken keeps all those tasty browned bits infused into your sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—this quick step releases that warm, inviting aroma that forms the flavor foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Make The Lemon Cream Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together and bring it gently to a simmer. This process melds the creamy and citrus elements beautifully, laying the groundwork for a refreshing yet rich sauce.
Step 5: Melt In The Parmesan
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens into a smooth, luscious mixture. This step is what gives the sauce its irresistible, cheesy depth while maintaining that vibrant lemon brightness.
Step 6: Finish With Butter
To create an indulgent and silky texture, stir in the butter until it melts completely and blends into the sauce. Butter not only enriches the sauce but also gives it that glossy sheen that makes the dish so visually appealing.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return your cooked pasta and chicken strips to the skillet, tossing everything together until each strand and piece is luxuriously coated with the creamy lemon sauce. This step ties all the ingredients together into a cohesive, flavor-packed dish ready to serve.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon slices are your best friends here. Sprinkle chopped parsley over each serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor that lifts the dish. Lemon slices not only enhance presentation but also invite your guests to add an extra zesty squeeze if they love that citrus punch.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides add texture contrast and balance the richness of the pasta with their fresh, clean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a lemon slice perched on the rim. For a rustic touch, use wooden serving boards or add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table. Small bowls of red pepper flakes or extra lemon wedges can create a fun, interactive dining experience for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When freezing, note that the creamy sauce might separate slightly but will regain creaminess when reheated gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid the microwave when possible to retain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible with pasta types. While fettuccine or spaghetti are classic choices, feel free to use penne, linguine, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter alternative?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, but the sauce will be less thick and rich. Consider adding a little cornstarch slurry to help thicken it up without sacrificing creaminess.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Slice the chicken into even strips and avoid overcooking by cooking just until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Resting the chicken briefly before adding it back to the sauce helps retain juiciness.
What’s the best way to get the most lemon flavor into the dish?
Using both freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest is key for maximum citrus brightness. The zest contains aromatic oils that add depth, while the juice offers a tangy burst that makes this pasta so memorable.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors wrapped in comforting creaminess. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night but impressive enough to share with family and friends as a special meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy every delightful bite that sings with sunshine and satisfaction.
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breast strips with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. The dish features a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a bright and comforting meal. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine or spaghetti)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure they are well flavored.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken strips in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and add the lemon zest. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until it melts and integrates seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing richness and flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken strips to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the lemon cream sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the lemon chicken pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh and attractive presentation.
Notes
- You can swap fettuccine or spaghetti for any pasta of your choice, such as penne or linguine.
- For extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
