Lemon Chicken Pasta

A bright and creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta made with tender chicken, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy 30-minute dinner is fresh, comforting, and packed with flavor perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon juice and zest
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes
½ cup sautéed mushrooms
½ cup steamed broccoli

Instructions

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cream and lemon
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, then bring to a light simmer.
Combine pasta and chicken
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together.
Adjust the sauce
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Add Parmesan
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best, but chicken thighs add extra juiciness.
Cook pasta until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky lemon sauce.
Add garlic and parmesan cheese for extra depth and richness.
Spinach, asparagus, or peas make great veggie additions.
Season carefully with salt and pepper since parmesan adds saltiness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or broth.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Keyword Lemon Chicken Pasta