This creamy lemon chicken pasta is rich, zesty, and full of flavor. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal with friends. With tender chicken, pasta, and a smooth lemony sauce, every bite is satisfying and memorable.
Why We Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This pasta dish isn’t just delicious; it also strikes the right balance between rich and light flavors. The creamy sauce combined with the citrusy notes from lemon makes each bite refreshing and satisfying. You’ll love the versatility of this recipe; whether you prefer bucatini, spaghetti, or even fettuccine, it works wonderfully with various pasta types.
One of the key aspects that make this dish a go-to is its simplicity. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it a perfect choice when you’re short on time but still want to prepare something impressive. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a vibrant sauce transforms a mundane dinner into a delightful experience.
Moreover, the ingredients are typically easy to find and can be personalized with various add-ins to suit your preferences. Toss in some fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted mushrooms to elevate the dish even further. It’s a canvas for your creativity, making every preparation unique!
Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
To create this mouthwatering Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, gather the following 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 (such as 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
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 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
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Optional add-ins: Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Now that you have your ingredients gathered, let’s walk through the steps to create this amazing dish.
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. It’s essential to season the water generously with salt. This is the best time to flavor your pasta!
While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with the olive oil, lemon zest, and all your spices: oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Once the water is boiling, you can cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s just shy of al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, along with the reserved kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 5 to 6 minutes. Your goal here is to achieve a slightly thickened sauce.
Lower the heat, and then stir in the chopped parsley, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
Carefully add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles. Heat everything together over medium-high heat for approximately 2 minutes.
If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve your pasta topped with the sliced chicken, and garnish generously with extra parsley, Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a fresh lemon squeeze to enhance those vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
When serving Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, presentation is key to enhancing the dining experience. Start with a large pasta bowl or individual plates to showcase the beautiful colors of your dish. Use a pair of tongs to twirl a portion of pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the noodles evenly.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, making sure you distribute it evenly. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley adds a pop of color while the grated Parmigiano Reggiano provides a lovely finishing touch. If you have any fresh lemon wedges on hand, serve them on the side for those who might want an extra burst of citrus.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can experiment with light sides that complement the richness of the pasta, such as a crisp Caesar salad or a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette. The key is to keep the meal refreshing and balanced.
Expert Tips for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and lemon to enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste significantly compared to dried varieties.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Making sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F is essential. This ensures it’s safe to eat while remaining moist and tender.
Pasta Water is Magic: The reserved pasta water! It’s your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Its starch content helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Adjust To Your Liking: Feel free to tweak the ingredient proportions based on your preferences. Enjoy a lighter touch? Reduce the amount of heavy cream, or add more veggies for a nutritious boost.
Add Extra Flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or a splash of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious this dish is), storing them correctly is key to maintaining the flavor and texture. Allow the pasta to cool completely to prevent condensation from forming in the container.
Transfer the pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will be good for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use low heat to avoid the sauce from separating. You can add a splash of fresh cream or a bit of reserved pasta water to help revive the creaminess when reheating.
Variations of Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
One of the best aspects of the Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is its versatility. Here are some variations to inspire your next culinary creation:
- Add Greens: Incorporate some fresh baby spinach or arugula into the dish for a boost of nutrition and color. Wilt them right at the end of cooking.
- Veggie Medley: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to add depth and variety.
- Different Proteins: While this recipe focuses on chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Pasta Alternatives: Experiment with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options if needed. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta you choose.
- Zesty Variations: If you’re a fan of other flavors, consider experimenting with lime instead of lemon or adding herbs like basil and dill.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
What is Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta?
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy lemon sauce. It is rich in flavor yet refreshing, making it a favorite choice among pasta lovers.
How can I make my pasta sauce creamier?
To achieve a creamier pasta sauce, ensure you use a good amount of heavy cream, and don’t forget to incorporate some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the elements of this dish separately and combine them just before serving. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
What can I use instead of chicken in this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, grilled vegetables, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this delicious pasta dish.
What is the best type of pasta to use for Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta?
While this recipe works well with various types of pasta, options like bucatini, spaghetti, and fettuccine are great choices due to their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp kosher salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
Pasta Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta of choice (such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1.5 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup chicken broth
- 0.75 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.33 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 0.33 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula Add at the end of cooking for freshness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season generously with salt.
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Cooking
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, along with reserved salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5 to 6 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in chopped parsley, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine and adding about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
- Heat for approximately 2 minutes, adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken, garnished with extra parsley, Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a fresh lemon squeeze.