Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a bright and savory dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a rich, velvety cream sauce. Tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection and tossed with pasta in a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s an easy, comforting meal that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

boneless skinless chicken breastsolive oilbuttergarlic cloveslemon juicelemon zestonionparmesan cheesewhole milk or heavy creamchicken brothitalian seasoningfresh parsleyred pepper flakes (optional)salt and pepperpasta (like fettuccine, penne, or linguine)

directions

this recipe

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Lower the heat and stir in the milk or cream, followed by the grated Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat well.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Garnish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.

Use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Try it with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.

Add a splash of white wine for extra depth in the sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or a plant-based milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Simmer it longer to reduce or add a bit more Parmesan to thicken.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just warm it in the sauce during the final toss with the pasta.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—otherwise, it’s mild and creamy.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly and stir well.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish that brings together the freshness of citrus with the depth of a creamy garlic sauce. It’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor, making it a go-to meal for both casual nights and special occasions. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite.

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