Refreshing Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

These comforting creamy lemon chicken pasta packs a bright zing of lemon and tender chicken, all wrapped in a luscious sauce that clings lovingly to every noodle. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike.

Picture this: a cozy evening, the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting from your kitchen, and your loved ones gathering around the table, eagerly awaiting a delicious meal. This creamy lemon chicken pasta brings all of that warmth and joy together, creating memories that you’ll cherish. So let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to impress!

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

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A comforting creamy lemon chicken pasta that is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 lb. pasta of choice (such as bucatini or spaghetti)
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms (for added flavor)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Toss the chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices until well coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, reserving a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
5. Add butter to the same skillet and cook the onion until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Simmer and thicken for about 5 to 6 minutes.
7. Stir in parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
8. Add the pasta and ½ cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss together until coated, adding more pasta water as needed.
9. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or fresh spinach. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Why You Should Whip Up this Lemony Delight

If you’re craving something rich yet fresh, this creamy lemon chicken pasta is your answer. It contains simple ingredients that you probably have on hand, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s family-friendly, meaning everyone , from picky eaters to seasoned food lovers , will relish every single bite.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 lb. pasta of choice (I prefer long, twirly options like bucatini or spaghetti)
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms (for added flavor)

Directions:

1. Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. This is essential for beautifully seasoned pasta.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices until well coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. If your water is boiling, cook the pasta just shy of al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
5. For the sauce, add butter to the same skillet (no need to wipe clean) with the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 to 6 minutes.
7. Stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
8. Add the pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously with tongs, cooking until the pasta is glossy and coated in the thick sauce, about 2 minutes. Add more reserved pasta water if needed.
9. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added zing.

Serving Suggestions for a Lemony Feast

This creamy lemon chicken pasta can stand alone as a delicious meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Serve it up family-style, inviting everyone to help themselves, or plate it for an elegant touch.

Storing Your Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Don’t rush the cooking of your chicken! Let it get that nice golden color for extra flavor.
• If you prefer more veggies, feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or fresh spinach to the pasta.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

Variations to Try

• Herbed Lemon Chicken Pasta: Mix in different herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add more cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy delight.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Throw in red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like a kick!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy , fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and chicken when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version, but keep in mind it might alter the creaminess of the sauce.

Dive into this creamy lemon chicken pasta today , a dish that warms the heart and delights the palate, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. Enjoy!