Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast, a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It strikes the perfect balance between zesty brightness and rich creaminess, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With every bite, you get a burst of citrus, savory garlic, and silky-smooth sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastsgarlic clovesolive oilsalt and pepperbutterheavy creamchicken brothlemon juicelemon zestsmall pasta (like fettuccine or penne)grated Parmesan cheesefresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet.

Add the pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until well coated.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.

Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Try it with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth and warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it after the sauce is made and heat through.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work well with this sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and Parmesan.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately to avoid over-softening.

Can I freeze this?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or water with a pinch of bouillon also work.

Does the lemon make it too tangy?

No, it adds a fresh brightness that balances the creamy base.

Is this spicy?

Not at all, but you can add chili flakes if you like heat.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

What herbs go well with this?

Parsley, thyme, or basil complement the lemon and garlic perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with a refreshing twist. It brings together the warmth of creamy garlic sauce and the zing of lemon, making it both hearty and light. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is bound to impress with its rich flavor and easy preparation.