Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a bright, comforting dish that’s rich yet refreshing. Tender chicken breast is seared to perfection, tossed with pasta, and coated in a velvety sauce made from garlic, lemon juice, cream, and Parmesan. It’s a quick, one-pan dinner full of bold flavor—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast (sliced thin)pastabutterolive oilgarlic cloves (minced)heavy creamParmesan cheeselemon zest and juicechicken brothItalian seasoningred pepper flakes (optional)salt and black pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until creamy and slightly thickened.

Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat.

Return chicken to the pan, stir to combine, and heat through.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.

Add spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.Not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Is this dish very lemony?

It’s balanced—lemon adds brightness without overpowering the cream and garlic.

Can I make it ahead?

Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I add wine?

Yes, replace part of the broth with dry white wine for extra depth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, and olive oil in place of butter.

Does it work with rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just stir it in during the final step to warm through.

What can I serve with it?

Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of rich and zesty, offering comfort and freshness in every bite. With its tender chicken, velvety sauce, and punchy citrus-garlic combo, this easy dinner is both elegant and approachable. A must-try for pasta lovers and lemon fans alike!