Lemon Chicken Pasta

Bright, zesty, and utterly satisfying, Lemon Chicken Pasta combines the perfect balance of tangy citrus, tender chicken, and al dente pasta in every forkful. This Mediterranean-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s both elegant and comforting. The silky sauce clings to each strand of pasta, delivering a burst of fresh lemon flavor that dances on your tongue. You’ll learn how to create a dish that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, with perfectly cooked chicken and a sauce that strikes the ideal balance between creamy and light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the sauce, creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Unlike heavier pasta dishes, this one leaves you satisfied without feeling weighed down—it’s the epitome of sophisticated comfort food.

The contrasting textures make every bite interesting—tender chunks of sautéed chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a silky sauce that coats each strand. The sauce itself deserves special mention: it’s creamy without being heavy, with fresh herbs adding bursts of flavor and color throughout.

Perhaps best of all, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The minimal cleanup is another bonus that makes this lemon pasta with chicken an ideal go-to recipe.

Ingredients

For this delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The star ingredient is obviously lemon, which provides both brightness from the juice and aromatic oils from the zest. Use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for the most vibrant flavor. The heavy cream creates a luxurious base for the sauce, while Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that complements the citrus beautifully.

Pro Tips

Proper Chicken Cooking Technique: For the juiciest chicken in your Lemon Chicken Pasta, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. This ensures each piece gets a golden sear rather than steaming. Cook just until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, then remove it from the pan while you prepare the sauce—this prevents the chicken from becoming tough and dry.

Creating the Perfect Lemony Sauce: Balance is key with this creamy lemon sauce. Add the lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go. For maximum flavor, add the zest in two stages: half while cooking the sauce and the remaining half just before serving for a fresh, aromatic boost. If your sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water—the starch in this water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

Al Dente Pasta Secret: Cook your pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions specify. The pasta will continue cooking when added to the hot sauce, allowing it to finish cooking while absorbing the flavors. Always reserve at least 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining—this starchy liquid is essential for adjusting the consistency of your final dish and creating that restaurant-quality emulsion that makes Italian pasta dishes so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Drying the chicken ensures you’ll get a beautiful golden sear rather than steamed chicken.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it!

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits – that’s pure flavor you’re incorporating into your sauce. Add the lemon juice and half of the lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce by about one-third, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer (not boil) for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss everything together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to every strand of pasta.

Step 8: Remove from heat and fold in the fresh herbs and remaining lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve your Lemon Chicken Pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Variations

Seafood Lemon Pasta: Transform this Lemon Chicken Pasta into an elegant seafood dish by substituting the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp or a mix of shrimp and scallops. Cook the seafood for just 1-2 minutes per side until opaque—overcooking will make it tough. For an extra-special version, add 1/4 cup of white wine to the sauce and fold in 1/2 cup of cooked peas just before serving. This variation creates a stunning dish perfect for special occasions.

Vegetarian Lemon Pasta: Create a meat-free version by replacing the chicken with 2 cups of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Roast the vegetables at 425°F (220°C) until caramelized before adding them to the sauce. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts for protein and a delightful crunch. This variation makes the most of seasonal produce while maintaining the bright, lemony profile of the original dish.

Mediterranean Lemon Pasta: Give your Lemon Chicken Pasta a Mediterranean twist by adding 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The salty, briny elements complement the lemon beautifully. For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and finish with fresh mint instead of parsley. This variation transports your taste buds straight to the Greek isles.

Storage and Serving

Lemon Chicken Pasta tastes best when freshly made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revitalize the sauce, as cream-based pastas tend to thicken when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

For an impressive presentation, serve this pasta in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest and Parmesan on top. A side of garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes in the main dish.

For an elegant dinner party, serve smaller portions as a first course, followed by a light fish or chicken entrée. A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing, as their crisp acidity complements the lemony notes in the pasta beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking steps and add your pre-cooked chicken to the sauce to warm through before adding the pasta. This makes Lemon Chicken Pasta a perfect way to repurpose rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for the heavy cream. For cashew cream, blend 1 cup soaked raw cashews with 3/4 cup water until completely smooth. Either alternative will create a different but still delicious flavor profile.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time for a party?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh, then combine everything and reheat gently before serving, adding pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best as they hold the silky sauce well. However, shorter shapes like penne or fusilli are also excellent choices if you prefer, as their ridges and crevices capture bits of chicken and herbs.

My sauce separated or curdled. What happened?
This typically occurs when lemon juice is added to hot cream too quickly or when the sauce boils after adding the cream. To fix a separated sauce, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream. To prevent this, always add lemon juice gradually and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding cream.

Conclusion

This Lemon Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — bright, satisfying, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that transform an ordinary weeknight into something special. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion dining, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love in every bite. The balance of zesty lemon, tender chicken, and silky sauce makes for a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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