Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
# **SEO-Optimized Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe**
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*”This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick, 30-minute meal with tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a silky sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners!”*
## **Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: A Bright & Comforting Weeknight Dinner**
There’s nothing quite like **Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta**—a dish that balances rich, velvety sauce with a refreshing citrus kick. Perfect for busy nights, this 30-minute meal features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-infused cream sauce. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
As a mom of two, I love recipes that are fast, flavorful, and family-approved. This **easy lemon chicken pasta** is adaptable (try shrimp or mushrooms!) and reheats beautifully for meal prep. The lemon cuts through the richness, making it light yet satisfying—ideal for spring dinners or cozy weeknights.
## **Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta**
Here’s why this **quick pasta recipe** deserves a spot in your rotation:
– **Ready in 30 minutes** – Faster than takeout but tastes homemade.
– **Bright & balanced** – Lemon adds freshness to the creamy sauce.
– **Meal prep friendly** – Reheats perfectly for lunches.
– **Kid-approved** – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
## **How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta**
### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
– **8 oz pasta** (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
– **2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, sliced
– **3 garlic cloves**, minced
– **1 cup heavy cream** (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
– **Zest and juice of 1 large lemon**
– **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **2 tbsp butter**
– **Fresh parsley or basil** for garnish
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cook the pasta** – Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. **Sear the chicken** – In a large skillet, cook chicken in butter until golden. Set aside.
3. **Make the sauce** – Sauté garlic, then add cream, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer for 3 minutes.
4. **Combine** – Toss in pasta, chicken, and Parmesan. Add pasta water as needed.
5. **Serve** – Garnish with herbs and extra lemon zest. Enjoy immediately!
## **Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Pasta**
– **Use pasta water** – The starch helps the sauce cling to noodles.
– **Adjust lemon to taste** – Add an extra squeeze for more tang.
– **Vegetarian option** – Swap chicken for mushrooms or spinach.
*Fun fact: My 7-year-old declared this “fancy restaurant food”—now we have a weekly [Tasty Tuesday](https://exorecipes.com/easy-weeknight-dinners) tradition!*
## **Pairing Suggestions**
Serve with a **[fresh spring salad](https://exorecipes.com/fresh-spring-salads)** or roasted asparagus. Wine lovers will enjoy a crisp **Sauvignon Blanc**—check [Wine Spectator](https://www.winespectator.com/articles/sauvignon-blanc-wine-guide-2023) for pairing tips!
## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
### **Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Simmer longer or add cream cheese for thickness.
### **How do I store leftovers?**
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
### **Can I freeze creamy lemon pasta?**
Freezing may alter the sauce’s texture. For best results, freeze chicken separately and make fresh pasta.
### **What pasta shape works best?**
Ribbons (fettuccine) or short shapes (penne) hold sauce well.
### **Is this dish gluten-free?**
Use gluten-free pasta and check Parmesan labels.
### **Can I add vegetables?**
Absolutely! Try peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or wilted arugula.
## **Final Thoughts**
This **Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta** is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Grab a lemon and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy lemon sauce with garlic and parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For the pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- 3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5. Stir in parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- 6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce.
- 7. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The lemon flavor will be strongest right after cooking – for more mellow flavor, reduce lemon juice to 1 tablespoon. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
