🍋 Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients. Tender pieces of golden chicken are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce with a fresh touch of lemon.

It’s creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and bright lemon makes every bite delicious. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or whenever you want something cozy and homemade.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta

12 oz (340 g) penne or fettuccine
1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup baby spinach, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces so they cook evenly.

Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for approximately 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for several minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Build the garlic sauce

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen all the flavorful browned bits left from the chicken.

4. Make it creamy

Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and lemon zest.

Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes. Keep the heat moderate so the cream doesn’t boil aggressively.

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Add the lemon

Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Combine everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

If using spinach, add it now and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.

Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the pasta, or gently toss it into the sauce.

7. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan.

For an extra fresh finish, add a small amount of lemon zest just before serving.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

⏱️ Prep Time

15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time

25 minutes

⏰ Total Time

40 minutes

🍴 Servings

6 servings

🔥 Calories

Approximately 520 calories per serving

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.