This bright and zesty pasta dish is a crowd-pleasing weeknight winner! Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, the sauce coats every strand of pasta in a luscious, creamy blanket. Tender chicken breast and pops of sweet peas make this feel like an elegant restaurant meal, yet it comes together in just 30 minutes.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with lemon easy to make

The genius of this pasta is that it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. A simple sauce made from lemon, butter, garlic, and cream gets its richness from melty Parmesan cheese and just a touch of starchy pasta water. Meanwhile, the chicken sears to a beautiful bronze in a hot skillet before joining the party.

With each lemony, creamy bite, you'll wonder why you don't make this chicken pasta more often. It's simple enough for busy nights but feels celebratory. One taste, and we know you'll be hooked too! Now who's ready for some bright, beautiful pasta? Just gather a few ingredients and we'll have this ready in no time.

What’s In Creamy Chicken Lemon Pasta?

Pasta - spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguine work well to soak up the creamy sauce
Chicken breast - provides protein; can use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Olive oil and butter - builds flavor base for the sauce
Garlic and shallots - essential for flavoring the sauce
Chicken or vegetable broth - adds moisture and flavor to the sauce
Heavy cream or half-and-half - makes the sauce creamy and rich
Lemon juice and zest - give the sauce a tangy, bright flavor
Parmesan - adds a salty, nutty flavor and makes the sauce creamy
Herbs like parsley or basil - give fresh flavor and color contrast

How To Make Make Creamy Lemon?

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions
In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil and seasonings until browned and cooked through
Remove chicken and add aromatics like garlic and shallots to the skillet
Deglaze pan with white wine or broth, scraping up browned bits
Add dairy products like heavy cream and lemon juice/zest
Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, then add pasta and chicken
Toss everything to coat, adding pasta cooking water if needed for consistency
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley before serving

Tips to Make Lemon Cream

Use European-style butter for higher fat content and flavor
Grate Parmesan fresh instead of pre-grated for better flavor
Salt the pasta cooking water generously, it should taste like the sea
Save some starchy pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency
Add herbs, vegetables, or protein to customize the dish
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; the sauce may separate, just stir
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth added if needed

What To Serve With Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

For an ideal pairing with the creamy lemon chicken pasta, I suggest serving Parmesan risotto and roasted asparagus on the side. The nutty, creamy risotto beautifully complements the lemony pasta sauce. Meanwhile, the bright, fresh flavors of the crispy roasted asparagus balance the richness. With just these two simple yet elegant sides, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal that still comes together quickly on a weeknight.

How To Store Creamy Lemon Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat along with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Heat through, stirring frequently.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave with a bit of added liquid for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway.
If reheating chicken separately from the pasta, use the oven or air fryer to crisp it before mixing everything again. Add more sauce as needed.

CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN PASTA

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a bright, zesty, and crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then tossed with linguine in a luscious sauce made with lemon juice, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy lemon sauce coats every strand of pasta, while pops of sweet green peas add freshness. This restaurant-quality meal transforms simple ingredients into something truly special and indulgent-tasting. Yet it's easy enough for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will devour. The genius is in the balance of tangy lemon, rich cream, savory Parmesan, and a touch of starchy pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy yet vibrant sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings

Ingredients

535 g heavy whipping cream
454 g uncooked linguine pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil 40g/1.4oz
3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 680g/1.5lbs)
3 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Lemon Sauce
535 g grated Parmesan cheese
535 g low-sodium chicken broth
11 g Italian seasoning
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
7 g garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook and brown the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pan and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together until fully coated in sauce.
Adjust seasonings with additional lemon juice or zest if needed.

Notes

This creamy lemon chicken pasta will be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Consider doubling the sauce recipe and freezing half for later use in another pasta dish.
Substitute fettuccine or angel hair pasta for the linguine if desired.
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or veggies.

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Frequently Asked Questions :

Q: How can I ensure the pasta stays creamy?

A: To ensure the pasta stays creamy, avoid overcooking the pasta, and be sure to add a combination of creamy ingredients like cream sauce and half and half to maintain the desired texture.

Q: Can I customize my Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with additional ingredients?

A: Yes, you can customize your Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta by adding ingredients such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chicken stock, or extra lemon cream sauce according to your personal preference.

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta up to step 8 and refrigerate for 2-3 days before serving. Simply reheat gently before serving.