Introduction

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a comforting yet vibrant dish that combines tender chicken and a luscious, tangy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavors that everyone will love.

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 the sea salt, black pepper, 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 seasoned chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Add the water to the same pan, then melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a smooth paste. Gradually 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 and whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan until smooth.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
Step 9: Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

Use any pasta shape you like; fettuccine or penne work especially well with creamy sauces.
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra greens and texture.
If you prefer more lemon flavor, zest a lemon into the sauce along with the juice.

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 milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time until the chicken is cooked through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It is best to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat gently and combine before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety lemon-infused cream sauce, coated perfectly over your choice of pasta. The sauce is flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful balance of tangy and savory that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

350 g pasta of choice
1 tsp sea salt flakes (for pasta water)

Chicken and Seasoning

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp sea salt flakes
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
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 cheese

To Serve

Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tsp sea salt flakes and cook the pasta of your choice until 1–2 minutes before al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp sea salt flakes, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp sweet paprika, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Season both sides of the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: To the same pan, add 2 tbsp water to loosen any browned bits. Then add 40 g unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour into the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux paste. Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken stock and 2 cups heavy cream while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken sufficiently, approximately 3–5 minutes.
Slice the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips ready for serving.
Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Plate the creamy lemon pasta, top generously with sliced chicken strips, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled.
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
Feel free to swap Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Cook the pasta just shy of al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.
Add more chicken stock or cream if the sauce becomes too thick; it should be creamy and coat the pasta smoothly.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Creamy lemon chicken pasta, lemon chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta, Italian chicken pasta, lemon cream sauce pasta