Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a quick, 30-minute dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a smooth, garlicky sauce. It's the perfect balance of flavors for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or microplane
- Juicer or citrus reamer
- Meat mallet or tenderizer (optional)
- Kitchen timer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Slice or shred into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking, then add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips & Variations:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For gluten-free options, use quinoa or rice pasta.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine for the best texture.
- Let the chicken marinate in lemon juice for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
- Store leftover pasta and chicken in separate airtight containers for 3-4 days.
- Reheat the pasta and sauce separately to avoid mushiness. Warm the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally.