Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 550
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 48 grams
• Fat: 30 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is an ideal dish for those who crave a blend of comfort and zesty freshness. The creamy sauce, infused with bright lemon flavors, coats each piece of pasta harmoniously, creating a delightful experience with every bite. This dish shines during weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, balancing rich flavors and a quick prep time. Plus, the combination of tender chicken and savory Parmesan creates a satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love.

How to Make Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Step 1: Preparation

  Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside. This will form the base of your dish, so choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne.

• Step 2: Searing the Chicken

  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest. The chicken should be juicy and flavorful, so don’t rush this step!

• Step 3: Mixing the Sauce

  In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a simmer. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce that brightens up the entire dish.

• Step 4: Finishing the Sauce

  Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should become luxuriously creamy, coating the back of a spoon. This is where the magic happens!

• Step 5: Combining Everything

  Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Make sure each strand of pasta is enveloped in that heavenly creamy lemon sauce.

• Step 6: Garnishing

  Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish further.

How to Serve Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and crusty garlic bread. For a more festive presentation, you can add lemon wedges on the side or sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving. Enjoying it with a crisp white wine can also enhance the dining experience.

How to Store Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the texture of the pasta.

Expert Tips for Perfect Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

1. Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Long pasta, like fettuccine, works great for this dish, but short pasta shapes can help capture the sauce as well.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This will keep your chicken juicy.
3. Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic and a ripe lemon for the best flavor impact.
4. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, swap half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
5. Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.

Delicious Variations

• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version while still keeping the creaminess.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other types of meat? Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Can I make this dish in advance? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce beforehand and mix it with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.
• What’s the best pasta to use? Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options work well with this creamy sauce.
• Can I freeze this dish? It’s not recommended to freeze pasta dishes with cream-based sauces, as they might separate when reheated.
• How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a taste of brightness and comfort right to your dinner table. With its creamy sauce and zesty flavor, it’s perfect for both casual and special occasions. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. We hope you give it a try and enjoy creating culinary memories with your loved ones!

Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A blend of creamy sauce and zesty lemon, this pasta dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, bringing to a simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

This pasta pairs well with a side salad and crusty garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg