Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is bright and zesty, look no further than this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta. Picture tender chicken cooked to perfection, tossed with a rich, velvety sauce that has just the right balance of creamy and tangy from the lemon. Add a hint of garlic, a touch of Parmesan, and pasta that soaks up all that flavor, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s equal parts indulgent and refreshing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian bistro—but with a fraction of the effort. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Comfort and Brightness in Every Bite: It’s creamy, dreamy, and zesty—like the perfect balance of a cozy dish and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Quick and Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you can have this dish on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without any complicated techniques.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a great option for prepping ahead for the week. You’ll find yourself looking forward to lunch the next day!
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: The whole family will love it—creamy pasta, tender chicken, and a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thinly to cook quickly and evenly.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Butter: The base for your creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of the show here, adding a savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: For the rich, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for that perfect tangy kick.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps loosen the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated, for a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Lemon zest: For an extra burst of fresh lemon flavor.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped, for a bright, herbal garnish.

For the Pasta:

• Pasta of your choice: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work wonderfully. Use your favorite or what you have on hand!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to cook it until al dente. Once done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Slice it into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it!). Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Lemon Zest

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta on plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top wouldn’t hurt either!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

• With Garlic Bread: The rich, creamy sauce goes wonderfully with crispy garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the pasta over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for some added freshness.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus would be a great side dish to balance the richness of the pasta.
• On Its Own: Sometimes, this pasta is perfect all by itself—no sides needed!

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing it.
• Substitute with Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp! Just sauté them in the skillet before making the sauce.
• Lighten It Up: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.
• Add Veggies: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! Any pasta will work—penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine everything just before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: You can freeze the pasta, but the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider making just the sauce and pasta separately, then combining after thawing.

Q5: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A5: You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk.

Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat!

Q7: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A7: Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken, just add it to the sauce and simmer it until heated through.

Q8: What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A8: A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread would complement the pasta beautifully.

Q9: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A9: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for best results.

Q10: How can I make this dish lighter?
A10: You can swap the heavy cream for a lighter milk option and use less butter. Adding more veggies like spinach or tomatoes can also help lighten it up.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that’s both satisfying and light at the same time—creamy, flavorful, and packed with bright lemony goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress! Plus, it’s quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking—you’ll love every bite!

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