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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

A comforting and flavorful chicken pasta dish that combines zesty lemon with rich cream, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets) Opt for thin cuts to ensure a quick cook time.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Divided, 1 tbsp for cooking chicken, 1 tbsp for sauce.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning Divided: 1 tsp for chicken, 1 tsp for sauce.
  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • Kosher salt To taste.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper To taste.
Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 lb spaghetti Cook according to package instructions.
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced—about 3 tbsp juice)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream Use for a luxurious sauce.
  • 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese Freshly shaved cheese adds the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency.
For Serving
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets about 1/2-inch thick.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic, the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. To the skillet, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Allow the sauce to warm through and thicken slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat.
  7. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  8. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, stirring until heated through.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

This pasta dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce and perfectly al dente pasta.