Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy lemon chicken pasta blends tender chicken breasts with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce and Parmesan cheese, tossed with your favorite pasta for a delightful, comforting meal packed with bright, fresh flavors and rich textures.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Dry Ingredients
- 350 g pasta of choice
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp flour
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 40 g unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Additional Flavorings
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
Garnish
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Fresh parsley, to serve
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is just 1–2 minutes shy of al dente, then drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the same pan, loosening any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir constantly to form a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Slice Chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts into thin strips suitable for topping the pasta.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy lemon pasta and top with sliced chicken strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter cream sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight pasta, Italian chicken pasta