If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. With tender, golden chicken nestled among perfectly twirled pasta coated in a luscious, zesty cream sauce, every bite bursts with comfort and brightness. It’s a fantastic balance of flavors that feels both indulgent and fresh, bringing together simple ingredients in a way that truly sings. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also looks inviting on the table, making it perfect to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is the secret to making this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color; from the smoky spices on the chicken to the fresh zing of lemon and silky cream in the sauce.
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced into cutlets for quick, even cooking.
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp up the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tsp. lemon zest: Infuses the chicken with bright citrus notes.
- 2 tsp. dried oregano: Brings earthy, herbal warmth to the seasoning.
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Rounds out the spice blend for balanced flavor.
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce perfectly.
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 1 lb. pasta of choice: Go for long, twirly types like bucatini or fettuccine to hold the creamy sauce well.
- 1 Tbsp. butter: Gives the sauce silkiness and richness.
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion: Sweetness develops as it cooks down in the sauce.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic amplifies the aroma and flavor of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the luscious, creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just right.
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper: To season the sauce and enhance flavor layers.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of green.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice: The zing that brightens every bite.
- Optional add-ins: Fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms to add vibrant color and personality.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting, toss your thinly sliced chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon zest, and all the spices. This seasoning mixture perks up the chicken with smoky, citrusy, and herbal notes, setting a flavorful foundation. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until each cutlet is golden brown and cooked through, locking in juices for that tender bite you crave. Once done, keep it warm and rested; this step ensures the chicken stays juicy and perfectly ready to mingle with the pasta later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Drop your pasta into the boiling water but pull it off the heat just shy of al dente—this is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, save about a cup of that starchy cooking water. It will be your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce texture and helping it cling beautifully to every strand of pasta. This gentle undercooking makes the pasta wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked your chicken (no need to clean it out—those browned bits hold flavor), melt butter and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they soften and sweeten, then toss in the fresh garlic to infuse the pan with savory aroma. Slowly add heavy cream and chicken broth along with salt and pepper, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in fresh parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano, that vibrant lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to brighten every spoonful with irresistible freshness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the cream sauce. Add half of your reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce—it’s the magic touch that transforms the mixture into a glossy, silky coating. Heat everything together over medium-high, tossing vigorously to help the sauce cling and thicken evenly around every pasta strand. Add a splash more pasta water if needed, until you get that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Garnish
Slice your rested chicken thinly and place it atop the pasta, letting it nestle beautifully into the creamy sauce. Finish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for that final burst of freshness. This is the moment the dish truly comes alive, looking as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmigiano Reggiano before serving enhances both color and flavor beautifully. A few cracks of fresh black pepper give a spicy lift, and a gentle squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before plating keeps the dish bright and fresh. These simple garnishes turn a great meal into something truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is a satisfying one-pot wonder by itself, but if you want to round out the meal, light, crisp salads or simply steamed green vegetables are fantastic. Roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or a tangy arugula salad with pine nuts and a lemon vinaigrette all complement the creaminess and citrus zing perfectly without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase its glossy sauce and colorful garnishes. Add a sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Alternatively, try layering the pasta and chicken in a large serving platter so your guests can dig in family-style, encouraging conversation and sharing. Playing with presentation makes this homey recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carefully transfer any remaining Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and pasta together helps maintain flavor, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, so you will want to adjust the texture when reheating.
Freezing
Because this dish contains cream and fresh lemon juice, freezing is not ideal as the texture and flavor can change upon thawing. If you must freeze it, separate the chicken and pasta from the sauce and freeze them individually in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its original silkiness. Stir frequently to avoid curdling the cream. Adding a touch of fresh lemon juice when reheated will help revive those bright citrus notes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option, but be mindful of adjusting cooking time. Just slice them thinly to ensure quick, even cooking, maintaining the dish’s tender texture.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Long, twirly pastas like fettuccine, pappardelle, or bucatini are perfect since their shape holds onto the creamy lemon sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape—it’s all about what you enjoy most!
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the flavor profile is more savory with smoky and citrus notes rather than spicy heat. If you like a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes during seasoning or garnish for personalized heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream sauce, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The texture and flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious and creamy.
How should I adjust the lemon flavor if I prefer it more or less tangy?
Feel free to add more or less lemon zest and juice according to your taste. Start with the recipe amount, then brighten it up more at the end if you like it tangier, or tone it down by reducing lemon juice to make it milder.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe a try means welcoming a vibrant, comforting meal into your kitchen that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. The cozy creaminess perfectly balanced by zesty lemon and juicy chicken makes it a fast favorite worth repeating. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this recipe as much as I do—it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary nights into truly delicious memories.
Print
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy lemon chicken pasta recipe that combines tender, seasoned chicken cutlets with a velvety lemon-infused cream sauce tossed through perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a bright, zesty flavor balanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Seasoning
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper
Pasta
- 1 lb. pasta of choice (such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Prepare the water and chicken: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon zest, dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large high-sided skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Make the sauce: Using the same pan (no need to clean), add butter and chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and continue cooking uncovered until slightly thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Increase heat to medium-high and toss vigorously with tongs, cooking and tossing constantly until the pasta is coated in a thick, glossy sauce, about 2 minutes. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Turn off heat once desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve with chicken and garnish: Thinly slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice. Optionally add fresh greens or roasted vegetables to brighten the dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamy finish.
- Choose long, twirly pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for best texture with the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165ºF internal temperature.
- Optional vegetables like spinach, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms add great flavor and nutrition.
- Try freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the best cheesy flavor and creaminess.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but sauce will be less rich.
