This Lemon Chicken Pasta is pure comfort on a plate, marrying crispy chicken with silky, citrus-kissed noodles. The creamy lemon sauce clings to every strand, while tender chicken sits proudly on top, ready to steal the show. To plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken for a presentation that’s as inviting as it is delicious. It’s a dish that feels fancy, yet is delightfully easy to make even on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these staple ingredients is wonderfully simple—and each one adds something special to the final dish. Think buttery richness, vibrant lemon brightness, and the perfectly crisp chicken that elevates this pasta from basic to unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are perfect for breading and slicing, providing a juicy foundation for your pasta dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both your chicken and your sauce; don’t be shy, as proper seasoning brings everything to life.
All-purpose flour: The first layer in your breading station helps the egg cling to the chicken.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue between the flour and breadcrumbs, giving you that signature crunch.
Bread crumbs (preferably panko): Panko is extra crispy, which means your chicken will have a delightful crunch in every bite.
Olive oil: For pan-frying your chicken; it ensures a golden and crispy exterior without overwhelming the dish with heaviness.
Fettuccine or pasta of choice: Wide noodles like fettuccine soak up the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite.
Heavy cream: The creamy backbone of your sauce—rich, luscious, and impossible to resist.
Parmesan cheese (grated): For a savory, salty finish that pairs magically with lemon.
Lemon (zested and juiced): The zest adds fragrant citrus oils, while the juice cuts through the richness for the freshest flavor.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves, but they add incredible depth and a subtle punch to the creamy sauce.
Fresh parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and a hint of freshness in every bite.
Lemon wedges: The perfect finishing touch for serving, so everyone can personalize their level of tangy brightness!

How to Make To plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken

Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready

Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for breadcrumbs. Organizing everything before you start makes the breading process a breeze and keeps things tidy.

Step 2: Bread Each Chicken Breast

Take each seasoned chicken breast and dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it carefully into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick and form a beautiful crust—this is key for that crisp, golden finish later on!

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—just enough to coat the bottom. Gently lay your breaded chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked (their juices should run clear, and a meat thermometer reads 165°F). Let them rest a few minutes before slicing so the juices stay locked inside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about a minute). Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all the flavorful bits left from the chicken. This is the delicious base that your pasta will soon marry into!

Step 5: Infuse with Lemon and Cheese

Gradually stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The cheese will melt into the cream, while the lemon brings lively freshness and cuts through the richness. Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking—it’s your moment to make the sauce sing!

Step 6: Cook and Toss the Pasta

While the sauce is coming together, cook your pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain well and immediately toss into the sauce, turning gently to coat each strand in the lemony, creamy goodness. This is what transforms the dish into pure comfort food.

Step 7: To plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken

Now comes the magic moment: to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken. Arrange the chicken slices neatly on the bed of noodles, then shower with chopped fresh parsley. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for everyone who loves a little extra zing. To plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken—this is what makes the dish irresistible from the very first glance!

How to Serve To plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken

Garnishes

Nothing elevates your dinner like a scattering of vibrant, chopped fresh parsley and a few jewel-toned lemon wedges. The parsley not only adds color but also a hint of herby freshness, while the lemon wedges let everyone brighten their pasta to taste. For a truly special touch, you can also grate a little extra Parmesan over the top just before serving. Don’t forget: to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken for the finishing flourish!

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and lively, so it loves a simple, crisp side. Think lightly dressed arugula salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans for color and crunch. A crusty piece of bread is fantastic for swiping through any extra sauce left on your plate. With a dish like this, the main event is always to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken right before serving.

Creative Ways to Present

You can personalize this dish for any occasion! Try nestling the pasta in a shallow bowl and fanning the chicken slices artfully on top. For family-style, arrange a big platter so everyone can help themselves—just remember: to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken, whether you’re going for elegance or rustic charm. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers adds a restaurant-worthy flourish if you’re feeling fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The pasta and chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the sliced chicken and pasta separately if you can, so the chicken maintains its crunch when reheated.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce and cooked pasta don’t always freeze as well as other dishes (they can separate or become grainy), you can freeze the breaded, cooked chicken on its own. Wrap slices of chicken in foil or freezer-safe bags, and they’ll be ready for a quick meal down the line. When you’re ready to serve, just whip up a fresh batch of the sauce and pasta, then to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken!

Reheating

To maintain the creamy sauce’s silky texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed. The chicken is best reheated in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore its crunch. Once everything is hot and luscious, to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine is classic, but spaghetti, linguine, or even short pastas like penne work beautifully. The sauce will cling to any shape, so use whatever you have on hand and simply adjust cooking times.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Just note the sauce will be a little thinner and less rich, but still delicious. You might need to cook it slightly longer to reach your desired thickness.

How do I keep the breaded chicken crispy?

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest uncovered on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the crust from steaming and losing its crunch. If making ahead, reheat in a hot oven rather than a microwave for best texture, then to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken right before serving.

Can I prep parts of the dish in advance?

Definitely! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. You can also zest and juice your lemon in advance, or even chop the parsley ahead of time for a quick assembly later.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Most kids love the familiar flavors of pasta and crispy chicken! You can dial back the lemon a little if needed, or let everyone add lemon wedges to taste. It’s a great way to get the whole family excited for dinner—everyone will be eager to to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken together!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that strikes the perfect balance of comforting and vibrant, you simply have to try this recipe. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight pick-me-up, to plate, scoop the creamy lemon pasta onto a plate and top it with the sliced chicken is truly a joy. Don’t be surprised when your table goes quiet—everyone will be too busy savoring each bite!

Lemon Chicken Pasta

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with a creamy lemon sauce, tossed with fettuccine and garnished with fresh parsley. The zesty flavors of lemon pair perfectly with the tender chicken and rich pasta, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Repeat for all pieces.
Cook the Chicken: Cook breaded chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Rest and slice.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in skillet, add cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta, drain, and toss with the lemon cream sauce.
Serve Your Dish: Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian