Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and a bright citrus twist. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that feels a bit special without much effort.

Ingredients

• 350 g pasta of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 40 g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
• Lemon wedges, to serve
• Fresh parsley, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted water until it is 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the sea salt flakes, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this blend.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the water to the same pan, then melt the butter in it. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
6. Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
7. Step 7: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan until smooth. Add the pasta and toss well to coat in the sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• For more lemon zest, add lemon zest to the sauce along with the juice.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month if necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly until the chicken is fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream replacement, and select a dairy-free parmesan alternative or omit it altogether.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, perfectly tossed with pasta and finished with freshly grated parmesan and parsley. It’s an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal ideal for a weeknight dinner that balances rich creaminess with a bright citrus twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seasoning

• 350 g pasta of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Chicken and Cooking

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 40 g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour

Sauce

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan

To Serve

• Lemon wedges, to serve
• Fresh parsley, to serve

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until it is just 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure delicious flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Prepare Sauce Base: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the hot pan to deglaze any browned bits. Then add unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Stir in minced garlic and briefly cook until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Create Roux and Simmer Sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Slice Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips for easy serving and mixing.
7. Finish Sauce: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This adds a bright and cheesy flavor that balances the rich cream.
8. Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss it thoroughly in the creamy lemon sauce to coat every strand. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness and a zesty finish.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use milk and reduce the butter slightly.
• Ensure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the warm sauce.
• You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
• Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and omit parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken pasta, lemon chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner