Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort food and zesty freshness, delivering a rich, satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce kissed with bright lemon. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this flavorful dish will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Plus, it all comes together in one pot—easy prep, easy cleanup, maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

  • Bright and comforting: The lemon adds a fresh zing that balances the creamy richness.
  • One-pot convenience: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted with different proteins or vegetables.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Lower heat to medium-low, melt butter in the same pot, then sauté garlic for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine. Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of pepper. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Helpful Tips

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • Only zest the yellow part of the lemon skin to avoid bitterness.
  • Use a garlic press to save time and boost flavor.
  • Add a splash of pasta water gradually for the perfect sauce consistency.

Substitutions And Variations

  • Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
  • Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Low-carb: Serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
  • Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus.
  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Not ideal due to the cream base, but possible for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

  • Calories: 765 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 166mg
  • Sodium: 465mg
  • Potassium: 695mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 1218 IU
  • Vitamin C: 12mg
  • Calcium: 268mg
  • Iron: 2mg

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
  • Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
  • Enjoy alongside a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a colorful finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it reheats well, but for the freshest texture and flavor, it’s best served immediately.

What type of pasta works best? Medium shapes like penne, farfalle, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work beautifully.

Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Keep the heat moderate and add lemon juice after removing the sauce from heat.

Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing in the joy of cooking with this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe! I absolutely love how this dish combines creamy comfort with a refreshing citrusy kick, and I hope it brings just as much warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, it’s a recipe that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy every creamy, lemony bite. Thanks for being a part of this food-loving community—your kitchen adventure starts now!

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is an easy one-pot dinner that’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a parmesan cream sauce with lemon come together in less than an hour—perfect for weeknight meals or weekend comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 3 tbsp salted butter

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

  • 1 lb pasta of choice

  • Optional: parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  • Boil salted water, cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  • Lower heat, melt butter, and sauté garlic for 1 minute.

  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

  • Slowly add cream, whisking until thickened.

  • Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice.

  • Add pasta, chicken, and some pasta water. Mix well.

  • Garnish and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and melting.

  • Only zest the yellow part of the lemon to avoid bitterness.

  • A garlic press saves prep time and boosts taste.

  • Add pasta water gradually for ideal sauce texture.

  • Great with shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 765 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Protein: 42g

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