Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and rich, velvety sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that feels a bit special.

Ingredients

• 350 g pasta of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 40 g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
• Lemon wedges, to serve
• Fresh parsley, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta in salted water until 1–2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season chicken on both sides.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pan and cook chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Add water to the pan, then melt butter. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add flour and stir to form a paste. Slowly add chicken stock and heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
7. Step 7: Remove the pan from heat, whisk in fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan. Add pasta and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately topped with sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top before serving.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even bow ties. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken breasts are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) or when juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The sauce is enriched with parmesan and a hint of garlic, balanced by fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges, making for a vibrant and comforting dish perfect for any weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seasoning

• 350 g pasta of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 2 tbsp water
• 40 g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan

To Serve

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is 1 to 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce Base: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Then melt the unsalted butter in the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture and stir continuously to form a paste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy texture.
6. Prepare the Chicken Strips: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips, ready to be added back to the pasta dish.
7. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the fresh lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan until fully incorporated. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat every strand in the creamy lemon sauce.
8. Serve: Plate the pasta coated in the sauce and top it with the sliced chicken strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and garnish.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to ensure even cooking.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• Reserve a little pasta water if the sauce needs loosening before serving.
• Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for a more balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken pasta, lemon chicken pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy Italian pasta, weeknight chicken dinner