Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a perfect balance of zesty lemon and rich, comforting cream. Tender chicken combined with a silky sauce and al dente pasta makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is 1 to 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice blend.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Add the water to the pan to deglaze, then melt the butter in it. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir well to form a paste. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens.
Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Step 7: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat thoroughly.
Step 9: Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt, adding it at the end off the heat.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
Use fresh pasta if available for an even more tender texture.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little extra chicken stock, cream, or water while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with a perfectly seasoned, creamy lemon and parmesan sauce. Paired with al dente pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, this dish strikes a beautiful balance of rich, tangy, and savory flavors ideal for a delightful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

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
2 tbsp water

Sauce

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

Garnish

Lemon wedges, to serve
Fresh parsley, to serve

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until 1–2 minutes before it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Use this mixture to season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Add the water to the same pan and use it to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then melt the unsalted butter in the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant but not browned.
Make the Roux and Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir well to form a paste (roux). Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream while continuously stirring, then simmer the sauce gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Slice Chicken: While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips for easy serving.
Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and arrange the sliced chicken strips on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; leaving it slightly underdone before finishing in the sauce ensures perfect texture.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference for brightness.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option, but the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Creamy lemon chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, lemon pasta, parmesan chicken pasta, stovetop pasta dish