Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together golden lemon-herb chicken, tender pasta, and a zesty, creamy sauce. Ready in under an hour, this vibrant, tangy recipe is a weeknight favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Lemon-Herb Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (450 g)
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (30 ml)
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2 teaspoons lemon zest (4 g)
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2 teaspoons dried oregano (2 g)
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1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika (3.5 g)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 g)
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1 teaspoon onion powder (2.5 g)
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3.7 g)
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3/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5 g)
Creamy Lemon Pasta:
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1 lb pasta of choice (bucatini, spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.) (450 g)
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1 tablespoon butter (14 g)
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1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion (210 g)
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
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3/4 cup chicken broth (180 ml)
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3.7 g)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
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1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (20 g), plus more for garnish
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1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (30 g), plus more for garnish
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1 tablespoon lemon zest (2 g)
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (45 ml)
Optional Add-ins:
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Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, or mushrooms
Instructions
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Bring salted water to a boil for the pasta.
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Season chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper.
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Sauté chicken over medium heat until golden and cooked through (7–10 min). Set aside.
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Cook pasta just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
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In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions for 4–5 min.
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Add garlic and cook 1–2 min more. Stir in cream, broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–6 min.
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Add parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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Add pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss until glossy, adding more water if needed.
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Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with more parsley, Parmesan, and lemon.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture.
Pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce—don’t skip it.
Add leafy greens or veggies in the final minutes to bulk up nutrition.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired