Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s light yet comforting, quick to prepare, and ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With fresh herbs, a touch of cream or cheese, and vibrant lemon flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect balance of creamy and citrusy, savory and fresh. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or need a light pasta option that still satisfies, Lemon Chicken Pasta delivers. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier texture)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 56 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 34 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in cream or milk if using, and add Parmesan if desired. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Season with red pepper flakes, additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make It Creamier: Use more heavy cream and add extra Parmesan for a rich, silky sauce.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the cream and cheese and use olive oil and lemon alone for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and pasta from becoming mushy.
FAQs
What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work well for holding the lemony sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just warm it in the sauce before tossing with pasta.
How do I keep the lemon flavor from being too strong?
Balance it with enough broth or cream, and always taste before adding more lemon juice.
Can I make this without cream?
Absolutely. The lemon-garlic and broth mixture alone makes a delicious light sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free to make it suitable.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs are juicy and flavorful and work beautifully in this dish.
What sides pair well with lemon chicken pasta?
Try garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal for freezing as the pasta may become mushy and the sauce can separate.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, Parmesan is a great addition and melts beautifully into the sauce for extra richness.
Conclusion
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a refreshing, satisfying dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Whether you prefer it creamy or light, with veggies or just the basics, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a staple. Bright citrus, juicy chicken, and al dente pasta make this a perfect meal for any season.
Description
This lemon chicken pasta is fresh, creamy, and full of bright citrus flavor. Tender chicken is tossed with pasta in a silky lemon-garlic sauce with just the right touch of Parmesan. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tasty enough for guests!
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet until golden and cooked through, about 56 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream. Stir and let simmer for 23 minutes.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter, if using, until melted and the sauce slightly thickens.
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Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
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For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
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Add spinach, peas, or asparagus for extra veggies.
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
