Looking for a comforting yet refreshing pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight favorite. It’s rich, zesty, and perfectly balanced with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a burst of lemon flavor.
Ideal for busy home cooks, families, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been tested in our kitchen and approved by Roz Recipes Team creamy, tangy and absolutely irresistible every time.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Halal note: Ensure chicken and cheese are halal-certified.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside. - Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2 minutes. - Add the cream:
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. - Combine everything:
Return chicken to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. - Finish & serve:
Sprinkle chili flakes and chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Substitutions:
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Make-ahead:
You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance; just reheat gently before serving and add freshly cooked pasta. - Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk or broth. - Serving ideas:
Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, you can use whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine or linguine hold the sauce beautifully, but penne or rotini work too.
Nutrition Facts
Calories per serving: 520
Protein: 36 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 20 g
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home. The creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and tender chicken create a delicious harmony in every bite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out your family will love it!