If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes of bright citrus, creamy indulgence, and savory chicken, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled in a luscious, garlicky lemon cream sauce, perfectly coating strands of al dente spaghetti. Every bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and a hint of Italian herbs that bring warmth and brightness to the plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe balances simple ingredients with an irresistible flavor combo that feels both gourmet and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each component plays an essential role, from the fragrant garlic and zesty lemon to the rich cream and savory herbs, creating layers of taste and texture that make every forkful a joy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum tenderness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Used with seasonings to create a perfect crust on the chicken.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs to boost the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Infuses the chicken with a subtle citrusy kick complemented by peppery warmth.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Provides the ideal base for sautéing the chicken and building flavor in the sauce.
- Spaghetti: Cooked al dente to hold up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh to release that unmistakable savory aroma that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Lemon zest and juice: Delivered generously for a bright and lively sauce that sings with freshness.
- Heavy cream: Creates that silky, luxurious texture that brings the sauce and pasta together effortlessly.
- Shaved Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty depth of flavor.
- Pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the spaghetti just right.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges: For an optional extra burst of citrus at the table.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente—that’s the ideal texture to soak up all that luscious sauce. Once drained, toss the pasta in a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the strands from sticking together and set it aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a flavorful, crispy coating that locks in moisture and adds an irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then add it to the hot pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until you see a beautiful dark golden-brown crust and the chicken is cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside so we can focus on the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, seasoning with a good pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to prevent burning and release those rich garlic aromas. Then, add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and heavy cream, seasoning again lightly with salt and pepper. Let everything warm together until it’s perfectly blended and heated through.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Pasta
Once your sauce is warm and fragrant, stir in the shaved Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly and thickens the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti back into the pan along with a few splashes of pasta water to loosen the sauce just the right amount. Toss everything gently to coat every strand of pasta in the creamy lemon goodness.
Step 6: Combine with Chicken and Serve
Slice your golden-brown chicken into strips and nestle them into the sauce with the pasta. Warm everything through for a minute or two, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a couple of lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh, colorful touch before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the lemon beautifully. Lemon wedges on the side allow everyone to customize the citrus zing to their liking, enhancing the fresh, vibrant flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a simple baguette is fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of toasted pine nuts for a crunchy contrast. You can even plate the pasta in shallow bowls, arranging the chicken slices on top and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests with elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken moist and the sauce fresh, separate the chicken slices from the pasta if possible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the parsley garnish. Pack the pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to rejuvenate the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, warm in the microwave at 50% power in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to try fettuccine, linguine, or even penne to mix things up. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds the sauce nicely.
How can I make this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute and choose a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook and slice the chicken in advance and even prepare the sauce, storing them separately. When ready to serve, warm everything up, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy without overcooking?
By slicing the chicken breast thinner and dredging it in the seasoned flour, you create a crust that crisps quickly. Keeping the heat at medium-high and not overcrowding the pan helps the chicken brown evenly without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels special yet comes together so simply you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s bright, comforting, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a cherished recipe in your kitchen rotation.
Print
Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright and creamy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a lightly seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to a golden crust, and combined with al dente spaghetti in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb. spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta and sauce)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water, as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces for faster cooking.
- Make coating mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and large pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
- Heat oil: Over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan until shimmering.
- Dredge chicken: Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, tapping off excess, then add to the hot pan.
- Cook chicken: Sear chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes, or until a dark golden brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add lemon and cream: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream along with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to warm through gently.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until melted and smooth.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan along with a few splashes of reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta in sauce.
- Add chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the pan with the pasta and sauce. Cook just until heated through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Enjoy and rate: If you loved the recipe, leave a 5-star rating and review to share your feedback!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and pasta.
- Garnishing with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs enhances the flavor.
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