Ultimate Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious
This lemon chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a bright, tangy lemon flavor, making it the perfect comfort meal. It's quick to prepare, with options to make it light by skipping the cream. Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 medium-sized chicken breasts boneless and skinless, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large lemon juice and zest
- ½ cup heavy cream optional for creamy version
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed for the sauce
- Pasta water reserved, about 1 cup
For Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring well. For a creamy sauce, add the heavy cream and let it simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and Adjust Consistency
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, along with the pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a Lighter Version: Skip the cream and use extra olive oil or a splash of chicken broth to create a lighter, no-cream lemon chicken pasta.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.