Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something magical about creamy pasta dishes—they have that cozy, soul-warming quality that makes you feel instantly at home. But when you add lemon into the mix? Oh, it takes things to a whole new level.
The Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those recipes I never get tired of making. It’s rich yet refreshing, comforting yet light, and every bite is packed with flavor. The tender chicken, the silky pasta coated in a luscious lemon cream sauce, and that touch of garlic and Parmesan—it’s simply irresistible.
I first made this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe one evening when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t want anything too heavy. I had some chicken breasts, a lemon, and a bit of cream in the fridge—and from there, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe was born. It quickly became a family favorite and one of those go-to dinners I make when I need something impressive but easy.
If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that’s elegant enough for date night yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is it.
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Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe serves 4–6 people. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced thin or pounded to even thickness
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup spinach or arugula for extra greens
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist
- 1 cup mushrooms, sautéed with the chicken
- A few capers for a briny pop of flavor
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together quickly — the key is to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining — it will help thin the sauce later if needed.
Set the cooked pasta aside and drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest. Once slightly cooled, slice it into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those golden bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it gently bubble until it thickens — about 3–5 minutes.
Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If it seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Return the sliced chicken to the pan and stir everything together until warmed through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta. For extra lemon flavor, you can add a light squeeze of juice or an additional sprinkle of zest before serving.
Serve immediately — creamy, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides to make it a complete meal.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy lemon sauce.
- Side salad: A crisp green salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens balances the richness.
- Roasted veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add color and texture.
- Wine pairing: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony flavor perfectly.
Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice can taste harsh — fresh lemons make a huge difference.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Sear it until golden and juicy; dry chicken can ruin the texture.
- Add Parmesan gradually. Adding it too quickly can cause clumping — sprinkle it in while stirring constantly.
- Save pasta water. The starchy water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Balance the flavors. Taste the sauce before serving — if it’s too tangy, add a touch more cream or cheese; if it’s too rich, add a splash more lemon juice.
- Serve immediately. Cream sauces thicken as they cool, so it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh.
- Double the sauce if you love it extra creamy. You’ll never regret it!
Variations to Try
The beauty of this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust it to suit your mood, ingredients, or dietary needs.
1. Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Swap the chicken for shrimp! Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, then toss them in with the sauce.
2. Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter, yet still rich, sauce.
3. Lemon Garlic Pasta (No Cream)
Skip the cream entirely and make a lemony olive oil and garlic sauce — fresh, simple, and delicious.
4. Veggie-Loaded Version
Add broccoli, zucchini, or peas to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant twist.
5. Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick of heat.
6. Gluten-Free Option
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth and cheese are gluten-free.
7. Dairy-Free Version
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — surprisingly tasty!
FAQs
1. Can I make this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving. Reheat the sauce gently on low heat before combining everything.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If using milk, add 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it slightly.
3. What kind of pasta works best?
Long noodles like linguine or fettuccine are ideal for creamy sauces. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
It’s best to use fresh lemons. Bottled juice often has preservatives that can give the sauce a bitter aftertaste.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
6. Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well — the texture can separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
7. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick version of this dish.
8. How can I make it extra lemony?
Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a bit more juice to the sauce just before serving. Taste as you go to keep the balance.
9. What cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a nutty flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
10. Can I add herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh basil, thyme, or even dill pair beautifully with lemon and chicken.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
Based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
(Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts comforting and refreshing, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers in every way. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that you can easily make at home—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a silky sauce that ties it all together.
What I love most about this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is how balanced it is. The lemon cuts through the cream beautifully, so it never feels too heavy. The chicken adds heartiness, the Parmesan brings richness, and the sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is secretly easy—the kind you can whip up on a weeknight and still impress your family or guests.
So next time you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours, give this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe a try. I promise it’ll become one of your new go-to comfort meals—elegant, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.