This delicious recipe for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta will definitely impress your family and friends.
About the Recipe
With juicy chicken, al dente pasta and a rich and tangy sauce made with fresh lemons and heavy cream, this dish is sure to become a new favorite!
This simple pasta is a quick and simple recipe to make, but the flavors are complex and satisfying. It's perfect to make for a cozy night in, busy weeknights, or a special occasion gathering. This recipe is great for the entire family!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic, Creamy Chicken Orzo, Easy Tuscan Chicken or One Pan Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Cranberry Sauce.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple - This is a relatively easy dish to make and requires only a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. You can make this in under an hour, which makes it perfect for a quick and easy busy weeknight dinner.
Versatile - You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. You can add in some vegetables or adjust the amount of lemon juice to make it more or less tangy. If you feel like a meatless meal, skip the chicken. The possibilities are endless!
Delicious - This is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that your taste buds are sure to love! The creamy lemon sauce is made with heavy cream, fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. It adds a tangy, bright flavor while the tender chicken brings a delicious savory flavor.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this creamy lemon pasta:
- Chicken - I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. You can also substitute with chicken thighs if desired.
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Chicken stock - You can also use chicken broth or bone broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
Directions
Let's make this creamy lemon chicken pasta recipe together!
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the garlic powder mixture.
Step 3: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil then add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 6: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken stock, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well until pasta is coated with the sauce. Add the parmesan cheese and toss well.
Step 8: Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta. Top with more parmesan cheese and serve.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious pasta recipe:
- Use a Thermometer - To be sure the chicken is cooked to the appropriate temperature, use an instant read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.
- Complete the meal - Serve this meal with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread. This would be delicious paired with a delicious dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large Pot - A large pot is essential in every kitchen to make soups, boil pasta, and so many other things!
- Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
- Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this creamy pasta recipe.
- Additions - Feel free to add in some vegetables for a few extra nutrients. Some great additions would be broccoli or asparagus. For a little bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Garnish - Along with a healthy sprinkle of parmesan cheese, garnish this with fresh lemon wedges and herbs like fresh basil, rosemary, thyme or parsley.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this creamy lemon chicken pasta dish:
Fire Roasted Tomatoes - These Fire Roasted Tomatoes are a delicious recipe you have to make! Sliced tomatoes are tossed with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then roasted in a hot oven until they are perfectly charred and delicious.
Simple Lupini Beans - This Simple Lupini Beans Recipe is the perfect side dish to a variety of meals. It will be a favorite dish in no time!
Italian Chopped Salad - These sandwiches are crispy, moist and easy. Boneless chicken thighs dredged in a beer batter and air fried. Simply delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use whichever shape of pasta you prefer for this! I like to use fettuccine or spaghetti but any size or shape will do!
Fresh lemon juice is really going to be best in this. It gives the best flavor and makes this dish taste bright and fresh.
I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this. You could use chicken thighs, chicken cutlets or tenders if you wanted.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lb pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic, powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Season chicken on both sides.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken stock, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring to a simmer on low heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet. Toss well, until the sauce coats the pasta. Add parmesan cheese and toss.
- Slice chicken and add to the skillet. Top with more parmesan cheese and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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