Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Fresh parsley and lemon wedges add a bright finish to the dish.

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

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted water until it is 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Mix the sea salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning together. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with this spice blend.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the water to the pan, then melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the flour into the pan, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Slowly add the chicken stock and heavy cream while stirring, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan until combined.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red chili flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and coconut cream, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a delightful and comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, perfectly coating your choice of pasta. Flavored with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, it creates a harmonious blend of zesty and savory notes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and elegant.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Stovetop
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seasonings

• 350 g pasta of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 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

To Serve

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until 1 to 2 minutes before it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to prevent overcooking later.
2. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts for flavorful meat.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are cooked all the way through and have a nice golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
4. Prepare Sauce Base: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the same pan to loosen browned bits, then add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant to infuse the sauce.
5. Make Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Slice Chicken: While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips suitable for topping the pasta.
7. Finish Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from heat, then whisk in the fresh lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat every strand with the luscious lemon cream sauce.
8. Serve: Plate the pasta, top with the sliced chicken strips, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness and color.

Notes

• Use any type of pasta you prefer; fettuccine, penne, or linguine work especially well with creamy sauces.
• Adjust the lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity based on your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, though the sauce may be less thick.
• Ensure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce.
• Freshly grated parmesan is best for melting smoothly into the sauce compared to pre-grated cheese.

Keywords: Creamy lemon chicken pasta, lemon chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta with chicken, Italian chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner