Description
This Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and creamy weeknight dinner bursting with fresh lemon flavor, tender chicken, and a smooth parmesan sauce. Perfect comfort food pasta dish with easy ingredients and bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
12 oz pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6–7 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and slice.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
6. Top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water or milk.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle heat boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg