This Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta is bright and tasty! The tender chicken and zesty lemon sauce come together with pasta for a quick, yummy meal that’s sure to please.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how simple it is to make. Just cook the chicken, toss in some lemon juice, and mix with pasta—dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook quickly. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or use sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works best for this dish, but feel free to swap in spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have on hand!
Heavy Cream: This gives richness to the sauce, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free substitute, coconut milk or cashew cream works well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated works too. Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemons bring the best taste, but bottled lemon juice can work if that’s what you have. Always measure to avoid over-acidity.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken so it’s golden and juicy is key for this pasta dish! Here’s how to do it right:
- First, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help to sear it nicely and lock in flavors.
- Dredge the chicken lightly in flour, which helps create a crust and keeps it tender.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side without moving it around too much. This ensures that it gets that beautiful golden color.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the chicken, and then about 15 minutes to cook the pasta and whip up that creamy lemon sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This step will help achieve a nice crust while cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
4. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant—smell that deliciousness!
5. Combine Cream and Lemon:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Toss in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce until every strand is evenly coated. Mix in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve it Up:
Time to plate! Scoop the creamy pasta onto dishes and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for that perfect zesty touch.
Enjoy your creamy, zesty Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta—this dish is sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are fantastic choices, feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or cashew cream, which will still give you a nice creamy texture without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Just reheat gently when ready to serve and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results. This way, you can have a quick dinner ready in no time!
