Lemon Chicken Pasta: 30 Minutes to Amazing

Name: Lemon Chicken Pasta: 30 Minutes to Amazing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (linguine or penne); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Lemon Chicken Pasta has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I think you’re going to love it too! There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a bright, zesty lemon garlic sauce. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma alone was enough to make my whole family rush into the kitchen. It’s a simple lemon chicken pasta recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it feel like a special occasion even on a Tuesday. This quick lemon chicken pasta comes together so fast, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

You’re going to adore this simple lemon chicken pasta recipe for so many reasons! It’s truly a winner:

The flavor is out of this world – a perfect balance of zesty lemon and savory chicken that makes for an amazing creamy lemon chicken pasta experience.
It’s incredibly quick, clocking in at just 30 minutes total, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
It’s surprisingly healthy for such a rich-tasting dish, especially when you consider the protein from the chicken.
It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and affordable chicken.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
The texture is divine, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, creamy lemon chicken pasta sauce.
It’s adaptable – easily add your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a fantastic garlic lemon chicken pasta dish. Most of these are probably already in your pantry!

12 ounces pasta (linguine or penne) – I like linguine for its ability to cling to the sauce, but penne works great too!
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1 pound total, these are the stars of our dish
Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors
1 teaspoon garlic powder – a quick way to add garlic flavor to the chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken perfectly
2 tablespoons butter – the base for our luscious sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic adds an amazing punch to this lemon pasta
1 cup heavy cream – this is what makes our sauce so wonderfully creamy
½ cup chicken broth – adds depth and helps create a smooth sauce consistency
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon – the key to that bright, zesty flavor!
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, cheesy finish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness

How to Cook Lemon Chicken Pasta

Making this delicious lemon chicken pasta is surprisingly straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started on this delightful one pot lemon chicken pasta!

Step 1: First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 12 ounces pasta and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for our sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Now, let’s talk chicken. Pat your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and black pepper, to taste, and sprinkle with the 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be fantastic! Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 3: In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add the 3 garlic cloves, minced, and sauté them for just about 1 minute until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want that sweet, aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and the ½ cup chicken broth. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. You’ll see it transform into a lovely, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and wonderfully creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. This is where you really build the flavor of your chicken pasta with lemon sauce.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta and the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat all the pasta and chicken. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This is key to achieving that perfect one pot lemon chicken pasta feel.
Step 7: Let everything warm through for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re using it, stir in the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve your amazing lemon chicken pasta immediately and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Pasta

Want to elevate your lemon chicken pasta game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee a fantastic result every time. These aren’t complicated, but they make a big difference!

Don’t skip searing the chicken! That golden-brown crust adds so much flavor and texture.
Always reserve some pasta water. It’s the secret ingredient to making your sauce perfectly creamy and cohesive.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same bright, fragrant zing.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. This is crucial for balancing the creamy sauce with the tart lemon.

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Chicken Pasta?

The real secret to achieving the best lemon chicken pasta is the combination of fresh lemon zest and juice, plus a little reserved pasta water to emulsify the creamy sauce. This creates a balanced, luscious coating that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken. For more tips on emulsification, you can check out resources on making pan sauces.

Can I make Lemon Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently in a skillet with the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Chicken Pasta?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta or the chicken, which can lead to a dry dish. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly. Finally, don’t add all the pasta water at once; start with a little and add more as needed to get the perfect sauce consistency.

Lemon Chicken Pasta: 30 Minutes to Amazing - Lemon Chicken Pasta - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta

This delightful dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to make your meal complete. For a vibrant and flavorful experience, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon juice and parsley makes a wonderful complement to this lemon chicken pasta.

For a more substantial meal, you could serve this alongside crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce, or even a light vegetable soup. If you’re looking to explore flavor further, think about serving it with a side dish that echoes the herbs in your dish; perhaps a light lemon herb chicken pasta variation with added basil or dill would be lovely. It’s all about creating a balanced and delicious plate!

Nutrition Facts for Lemon Chicken Pasta

This flavorful lemon chicken pasta is a satisfying main course. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Calories: Approx. 600 kcal
Fat: Approx. 30g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
Protein: Approx. 30g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
Fiber: Approx. 3g
Sugar: Approx. 5g
Sodium: Approx. 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially when making healthy lemon chicken pasta variations.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Chicken Pasta

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delicious lemon chicken pasta, even as leftovers. Once your meal is finished, let it cool down to room temperature for about an hour before packing it away. This helps prevent bacterial growth. For the best results, store your lemon chicken pasta in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from your refrigerator. You can safely keep leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. While this creamy dish isn’t ideal for freezing, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months if absolutely necessary, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

When you’re ready to reheat your healthy lemon chicken pasta, there are a couple of easy methods. On the stovetop, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. This helps revive the creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be patient – you want to warm it through without making the pasta mushy or the sauce oily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Pasta

What is Lemon Chicken Pasta?

Lemon Chicken Pasta is a dish featuring pasta, chicken, and a sauce that is primarily flavored with lemon. It often includes garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, zesty, and savory profile. This particular recipe is a simple lemon chicken pasta that balances bright citrus notes with comforting creamy elements.

Can I use different types of pasta for this Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine or penne are classic choices for this chicken pasta with lemon sauce, feel free to experiment. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even farfalle would work beautifully. The key is to cook the pasta until it’s al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.

How do I make this Lemon Chicken Pasta dairy-free?

To make this a dairy-free lemon chicken pasta, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. For the Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative can be used. It might slightly alter the flavor profile, but it’s still delicious!

What are some good vegetable additions to Lemon Chicken Pasta?

You can easily make this a lemon chicken pasta primavera by adding fresh vegetables. Asparagus spears, spinach, peas, broccoli florets, or cherry tomatoes are all fantastic additions. Add most vegetables during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce, allowing them to cook until tender-crisp.

Variations of Lemon Chicken Pasta You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with your lemon chicken pasta! There are so many delicious ways to switch things up. For a vibrant and veggie-packed meal, try a lemon chicken pasta primavera by adding fresh asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate more greens.

If you’re looking for a different cooking method, consider transforming this into an easy lemon chicken pasta bake. Simply combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly. For a lighter take, you could opt for a healthy lemon chicken pasta by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even try a lemon chicken pasta salad with cooled pasta and grilled chicken for a refreshing meal.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia