Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce with a zesty lemon twist. It’s a comfort food that’s not only satisfying but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or have guests over, this pasta dish delivers both ease and elegance.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that packs a punch of flavor while being simple to prepare, Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is the answer. The bright citrus notes from the lemon complement the creaminess of the sauce and the seasoned chicken. It’s a well-balanced dish that can please any palate, making it a hit for family dinners or a cozy night in. Plus, it can be ready in under an hour, making it a practical choice for busy schedules.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that anyone can enjoy. You’ll start by marinating the chicken with olive oil and seasonings, then cook it until golden. Meanwhile, you’ll prepare your pasta and a creamy sauce enriched with garlic, onion, and lemon. After mixing it all together, you’ll combine the chicken and pasta for a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. pasta of choice (bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms (optional additions)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices; toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until golden and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F), about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cook pasta until just shy of al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In the same skillet, add butter and onion; cook until softened (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet; bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened (5-6 minutes).
- Stir in parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add pasta to the sauce, along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; toss vigorously until the pasta is coated in the sauce (2 minutes). If needed, add more reserved water.
- Slice chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with extra parsley, Parmesan, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Serve this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet. You can place it in a large serving bowl for family-style dining or plate it individually for a more elegant presentation. To elevate the dish, consider adding some fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli on the side. A light salad can also complement this rich pasta dish and balance the meal.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
To store any leftovers of Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you notice the sauce thickening too much while stored, a splash of chicken broth can help rejuvenate it when reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for a more vibrant taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely hint of heat.
- Experiment with pasta: This dish is versatile; you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Bucatini or fettuccine work particularly well, but spaghetti is a classic choice.
- Add vegetables: Incorporating veggies like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s color and nutrition.
Can You Freeze Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
While it’s generally not recommended to freeze creamy pasta dishes as the sauce can separate upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. If you want to freeze the pasta, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when you reheat the dish.
How to Reheat Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
To reheat Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also gently microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Variation
For a spicy kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or the sauce. You can also substitute the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a lighter option. Adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can also bring new flavors and textures to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta types for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, including gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese for the garnish to keep the dish dairy-free.
3. What can I serve with Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with a light Sauvignon blanc for an enjoyable meal experience.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- – 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
- – 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- – 2 tsp. lemon zest
- – 2 tsp. dried oregano
- – 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- – 1 tsp. garlic powder
- – 1 tsp. onion powder
- – 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- – 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- – 1 lb. pasta of choice bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine
- – 1 Tbsp. butter
- – 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- – 6 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 3/4 cup chicken broth
- – 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
- – 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese plus more for garnish
- – 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- – Fresh baby spinach or arugula sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- First things first, fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a boil. This is going to be the magic potion for your pasta!
- While waiting for the water, grab a bowl and mix together your chicken cutlets, olive oil, lemon zest, and all those lovely spices. Give it a good toss to make sure everything’s well-coated.
- Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add your seasoned chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a plate and cover it to keep it warm.
- Now, cook your pasta just shy of al dente, and don’t forget to save 1 cup of that pasta cooking water before you drain it!
- In that same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it’s softened (about 4-5 minutes). Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Time to get creamy! Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring it all to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, and that zesty lemon juice you set aside.
- Add your drained pasta to the skillet, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pasta is luxuriously coated in that creamy sauce. If it’s looking a bit thick, feel free to add more reserved water.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of your delicious pasta. Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, a dash of black pepper, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon.
- And there you have it — a plateful of creamy lemon chicken pasta that will brighten your day and make your tastebuds dance! Enjoy!