Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a light yet indulgent dish that combines juicy seared chicken with a silky lemon-Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this flavorful pasta is rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced with the freshness of lemon. Perfect for a quick dinner, this one-pan recipe delivers comfort with a zesty twist. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Salt and pepper (to season chicken)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish (optional):
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon zest. (Avoid boiling after adding cream.)
Combine:
Add the pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use full-fat cream to prevent curdling and ensure a creamy texture.
Always add lemon juice off the heat to preserve its fresh flavor.
Customize the dish by adding spinach or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
For a slightly tangier flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
