Okay, friends, get ready to fall in love with this creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness. Picture this: tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious, zesty lemon cream sauce, served with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is one of those recipes that just hits all the right notes—it’s comforting, rich, and has a tangy freshness that’ll make you smile with every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this on repeat!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, hosting a dinner party, or craving a little indulgence on a cozy night in, this dish is as versatile as it gets. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. The creamy, citrusy sauce pairs well with so many sides—think garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even some roasted veggies.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s delicious and doesn’t break the bank?
Quick and Easy: This one comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s a super easy, quick meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can switch up the protein, use your favorite pasta, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own. This dish is perfect for experimenting and adjusting to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for your family or a group of friends, this creamy lemon chicken pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors with a fresh, zesty twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, lemony, and oh-so-satisfying dish:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein base for this dish. They cook up tender and juicy while soaking up all the creamy goodness of the sauce.
- Pasta: Your choice of pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work beautifully here.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish feel indulgent. It adds that velvety texture that coats every bite.
- Lemon Zest: Adds that fresh, zesty lemon flavor that brightens up the entire dish.
- Lemon Juice: For that tangy citrus punch that balances out the richness of the cream.
- Garlic: A couple of garlic cloves for that savory, aromatic touch that brings everything to life.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese is the secret to taking the sauce from good to great. It adds a salty, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
- Butter: To sauté the chicken and create a rich base for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: For a little extra flavor depth in the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, because everything looks better with a pop of green!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy, zesty pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for extra flavor. Once it’s done, drain and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later just in case.
Sear the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with that irresistible garlic flavor.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite of this creamy, zesty pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it a meal to remember, here are a few ways to elevate your dining experience:
Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread will soak up that creamy sauce and add a little crunch to each bite.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would be the perfect veggie side to complement this dish.
Extra Parmesan: Always a good idea to top this pasta with an extra sprinkle of parmesan for that extra savory flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and simply heat it up when ready to serve.
Switch Up the Protein: Not feeling chicken? You can substitute shrimp or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring it back to life.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. It’ll give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even macaroni would all work great.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a little cream or pasta water.
Q4: Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any dairy-free cream of your choice. Use dairy-free cheese for the parmesan if you prefer.
Q5: How do I reheat the pasta?
A5: Reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a little cream or pasta water to loosen it up and restore the creamy texture.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, feel free to double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A7: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas would be a great addition to this creamy pasta.
Q8: Can I use frozen chicken?
A8: It’s best to thaw frozen chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Q9: Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
A9: Yes! You could try lime for a more tropical twist, or orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
Q10: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A10: Definitely! The flavors are mild and creamy, and it’s a dish that kids will love. You can even reduce the lemon for a less tangy flavor if needed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking—it’s time to enjoy a bowl of creamy, zesty perfection!
Print
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines crispy chicken with a rich, velvety lemon cream sauce and fettuccini pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner with vibrant, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccini pasta, or spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to salt the water
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Lemon Cream Sauce:
- 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon, divided
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccini pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest before slicing into strips.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion powder, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the salt, parmesan cheese, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta topped with the crispy chicken strips and a sprinkle of parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add a little more lemon juice if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 125mg