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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Creamy lemon chicken pasta with Parmesan and parsley garnish

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This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bright lemon for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. Ready in 30 minutes, it is comfort food made easy with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add the dry pasta directly to the pan with the broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Slice the reserved chicken and return it to the pan. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Sprinkle fresh parsley and red pepper flakes over the top if you like a little heat. Serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and luscious.

Notes

Zest the lemon before juicing for easier handling. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.

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