If you’re craving a dish that feels like a sunny Italian escape on your plate, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what you need. Bright, creamy, and packed with tender chicken strips, luscious lemon flavor, and silky Parmesan sauce, it’s a perfect blend of tangy freshness and comforting richness. Whether you’re whipping up a midweek dinner or impressing guests, this pasta celebrates simplicity with ingredients that come together brilliantly to create a meal full of zest and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to balance flavor, texture, and color in the dish. The list is straightforward but carefully selected to ensure your Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe comes out perfectly fresh, creamy, and satisfying.
- 8 oz pasta of choice: Pick your favorite like fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up the creamy lemon sauce well.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for quick cooking and perfect coating with sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking chicken and garlic, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning chicken and pasta water to build depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle kick that complements the lemon without overshadowing it.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that brings a classic herbaceous note adding complexity to each bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant warmth that lifts the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, smooth base to carry the tangy lemon flavor perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the dish, providing that essential bright, citrusy punch.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Boosts vibrant lemon aroma and flavor without extra acidity.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to give a salty, nutty richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky texture and richness you’ll love.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh green garnish that adds a hint of color and mild herb flavor.
- Lemon slices: Perfect for an eye-catching final touch and a squeeze of extra zest.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil because well-seasoned water is the secret to perfectly flavored pasta. Cook your chosen pasta until it’s al dente—tender but still with a bite—and then drain it thoroughly. Setting it aside now keeps the pasta ready to soak up all those delicious flavors later.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken strips generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through; this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant but not burnt. This step infuses the oil with aromatic garlic flavor that is the foundation of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream, Broth, and Lemon
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination balances creamy richness with zesty brightness that defines the Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Butter
Lower the heat to prevent curdling, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely into a smooth, velvety sauce. Finally, stir in butter to enrich the texture and bring everything together in a silky finish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss well so every strand of pasta and each chicken strip is coated in that creamy, lemony goodness. This step is pure magic because you transform simple ingredients into a harmonious dish bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright touch of green and mild herbaceous notes that lighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. Add lemon slices on the side or on top for an inviting look and a little extra fresh zing that guests can squeeze on if they want.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main course but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic-roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal with contrasting textures. A crunchy side is a wonderful counterpoint to the creamy, velvety pasta and tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate this dish in shallow bowls topped with additional Parmesan curls and a sprig of parsley. Serving with warm crusty bread for dipping into the luscious sauce is another delightful presentation twist that makes the meal feel even more indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken on standing, so a little gentle reheating with a splash of chicken broth helps restore the original creaminess.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe because cream-based sauces can separate and lose their smooth texture after thawing. However, if necessary, freeze only the cooked chicken and pasta separately, then freshly prepare the lemon sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little extra chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that fresh, creamy consistency that makes this dish so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and spaghetti work wonderfully, you can use penne, linguine, or even farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente so the texture complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Adding more lemon juice can also brighten the dish without adding calories.
Can I prepare this recipe without chicken?
Definitely! The Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe works just as well as a vegetarian dish by substituting chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty and flavorful twist.
How can I add more lemon flavor without making it too sour?
Using both lemon zest and juice balances tartness with aromatic oils. Adding a touch of sugar or honey to the sauce can also mellow out sharpness if you find it too tangy.
What wine pairs best with Lemon Chicken Pasta?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrus notes beautifully and cuts through the creaminess, making your meal feel even more special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s effortlessly bright, creamy, and comforting all at once, a dish that feels like a warm hug with a sunny twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken breast strips with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest, this dish offers a harmonious balance of rich and refreshing flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a delightful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make Sauce: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss until well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with chopped parsley and lemon slices for garnish.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and fresh flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- To add extra veggies, toss in spinach or steamed broccoli when combining pasta and chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for food safety.
