Bright, zesty, and luxuriously creamy, Lemon Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. It effortlessly combines tender strips of chicken, a lush lemon-kissed sauce, and your favorite pasta into a single skillet masterpiece that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. Each bite brings a little burst of sunshine thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest, and the Parmesan and cream create a beautifully rich, cohesive sauce. It’s a recipe your family will request again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Chicken Pasta shines because of a simple lineup of accessible ingredients, each one adding a unique element to the finished dish. From the juicy chicken and vibrant lemon to the savory depth of Parmesan, every item plays an essential role in the taste, texture, or color of the finished pasta.

Pasta: Choose linguine or penne for their ability to soak up the creamy, lemony sauce—other short shapes work well, too!
Olive Oil: Provides a fruity base for sautéeing chicken and builds layers of flavor from the first step.
Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips for quicker cooking and to maximize golden, juicy bites throughout.
Garlic: Amplifies aromatics and gives the sauce its signature savory depth—don’t skimp!
Salt and Black Pepper: Foundational for seasoning the chicken and to balance the brightness of the lemon.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that highlights the lemon’s tang without overpowering it.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The real star—use freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor.
Lemon Zest: Adds that irresistible citrusy aroma and an extra boost of lemon flavor.
Chicken Broth: Melds with cream and lemon for savory depth, keeping the sauce from being too heavy.
Heavy Cream: Delivers the silky texture that coats every twist of pasta—substitute lighter dairy if desired.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, salty finish that brings the sauce together and tops the pasta beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: A shower of color and freshness that makes every serving of Lemon Chicken Pasta feel extra special.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Kick off your Lemon Chicken Pasta by boiling your chosen pasta in salty water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Remember to reserve half a cup of the cooking water before draining—this starchy water can be a lifesaver for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on. Set aside your pasta and get ready for the real flavor magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re craving a hint of heat. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes!), toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until just fragrant. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken ever so slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Assemble

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan into the simmering sauce and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the pasta. Gently toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. The result should be glossy, creamy, and bursting with citrusy aroma—a true Lemon Chicken Pasta delight.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Lemon Chicken Pasta to bowls or a large serving platter. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest for an inviting look and extra freshness. Now, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference! I love to top each plate of Lemon Chicken Pasta with more chopped parsley or a handful of fresh basil for color and freshness. Shaved Parmesan or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest add even more brightness and elegance, making every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a gentle vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette is a classic (and deliciously practical) way to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also work beautifully alongside for more veggies on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner party twist, serve the Lemon Chicken Pasta in a large family-style platter garnished with whole lemon slices and sprigs of parsley. For individual flair, twirl the pasta into little nests on each plate and top with extra chicken and zest. Or, make it picnic-ready by letting it cool to room temperature and serving it as a refreshing pasta salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (hard to imagine, but possible!), transfer the Lemon Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch feel gourmet!

Freezing

You can freeze Lemon Chicken Pasta, though the creamy sauce may change slightly in texture when thawed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftover pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch—just use short intervals and stir frequently to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine and penne are fantastic, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape—fusilli, spaghetti, or even farfalle work wonders at soaking up all that luscious sauce.

What’s the secret to a creamy, non-curdled sauce?

Be sure to simmer the cream and broth gently, never boiling rapidly, and stir constantly as you add the Parmesan. This helps everything emulsify into a smooth, dreamy sauce without separating.

How can I make Lemon Chicken Pasta lighter?

For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or asparagus to boost nutrition and freshness without losing that beloved creamy texture.

Can I make Lemon Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive. The recipe itself is very adaptable.

How do I keep my chicken juicy in Lemon Chicken Pasta?

Slice the chicken into even strips for uniform cooking, sear it quickly over medium heat, and avoid overcooking. Letting the cooked chicken rest before adding back to the sauce also helps lock in juices.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add sunshine to your dinner table, give Lemon Chicken Pasta a spot on your weekly menu. It’s a breeze to prepare, striking that perfect balance between comforting and fresh, and guarantees rave reviews every single time. Grab your skillet and a couple of lemons—this is a dish you’ll want to make on repeat!

Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken strips with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (such as linguine or penne)

Chicken:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Lemon Sauce:

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken strips with seasonings until golden. Set aside.
Make the Lemon Sauce: Cook garlic, then add lemon juice, zest, broth, and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.