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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta: The Best Recipe to Try Tonight


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, citrus-infused pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a luxurious lemon cream sauce, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Slice chicken and add to the sauce along with cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
  7. Add pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • For dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Any medium pasta shape works well as an alternative to farfalle.
  • Components can be prepared ahead: cook chicken and prepare sauce base (without cream) up to 2 days in advance.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • For freezing, prepare without cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Italian chicken pasta, lemon cream sauce, farfalle chicken