There’s something magical about a dish that’s both elegant and effortless. Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is exactly that—a bright, creamy, and comforting meal that comes together in a single pan. Imagine twirling forkfuls of tender pasta coated in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce, with just the right pop of citrusy freshness. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is secretly one of the easiest dinners ever. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
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Why You’ll Love Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta
Versatile: Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this pasta does it all. Serve it as a main course or pair it with your favorite protein for an extra-filling meal.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes like something straight out of a fancy Italian bistro.
Quick and Easy: One pan, minimal cleanup, and ready in under 30 minutes—this is the definition of an easy dinner recipe.
Customizable: Love spice? Add some red pepper flakes. Want extra veggies? Toss in spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: The creamy, garlicky goodness combined with bright lemon zest is a winning combination for both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta
Pasta: The foundation of the dish. Use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for the best texture. Cooking it in the sauce infuses every bite with incredible flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a deep, aromatic base that makes this pasta irresistible.
Butter: A touch of butter gives the sauce a rich, silky finish that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient that brings nutty, salty goodness and helps create a luscious, creamy sauce.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety texture to the sauce, making it extra indulgent.
Vegetable Broth: Cooking the pasta in broth infuses it with flavor while eliminating the need to drain.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and adds just the right amount of seasoning.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will elevate the dish beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a refreshing herbal note.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. This step is crucial—it creates the base of the flavor-packed sauce.
Add the Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, then add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged so it cooks evenly.
Simmer Until Tender: Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in Parmesan & Lemon: Remove from heat and quickly mix in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Stir well to create a creamy, silky sauce.
Season to Taste: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust according to your preference.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy every creamy, citrusy bite!
How to Serve Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta
With a Fresh Salad: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad makes the perfect light side.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
With Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for an extra protein boost.
As a Standalone Dish: It’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying enough to be the star of the meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mince garlic and measure out ingredients in advance to save time.
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk.
Spice It Up: A little extra black pepper or red pepper flakes can add a great kick.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silkiness.
Double the Batch: This pasta reheats beautifully, so consider making extra for an easy meal later in the week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A1: Yes! While long pasta works best, short shapes like penne or rigatoni will also be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: It’s best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to [time].
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing isn’t recommended since creamy sauces can separate, but if you do freeze it, reheat slowly with extra cream.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a bit of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use a dairy-free butter alternative, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Q7: How can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Q8: What other cheeses can I use?
A8: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a mix of different hard cheeses will work beautifully.
Q9: Can I add vegetables?
A9: Absolutely! Spinach, roasted tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms make fantastic additions.
Q10: What’s the secret to making the sauce extra creamy?
A10: Stirring in the Parmesan off the heat and adding a splash of reserved pasta water can make the sauce even silkier.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bright, creamy flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup? Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your new favorites!
Print
Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This lemon parmesan one-pan pasta is an easy and delicious dinner, packed with garlicky, lemony white wine flavors and topped with juicy, tender chicken breasts. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy and comforting dish is a must-try for lovers of quick dinner ideas, high-protein meals, and easy pasta recipes
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
Lemon Parmesan Pasta:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup half and half (room temperature)
- 1/2 lb angel hair pasta
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp each)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts liberally with seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip once, then immediately add 1/3 cup chicken stock. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken, place on a plate, and tent with foil to keep warm.
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Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet (with any leftover chicken stock), melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in white wine and cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add chicken stock and lemon juice, then slowly pour in half and half. Bring to a gentle boil.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Add angel hair pasta to the skillet, breaking it in half if necessary.
- Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering until al dente.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, reserving some for garnish. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with sliced chicken on top and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use a mild white wine for best results, or substitute with extra chicken stock if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 160mg