Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, zesty, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken is cooked with garlic, tossed in a creamy lemon sauce, and served over pasta for a cozy, feel-good meal. It’s simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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Extra lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
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Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
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Serve with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
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For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrients.
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This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.