Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is an easy recipe that’s ready in 25 minutes. With a creamy sauce made from Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and heavy cream, this simple meal is perfect for busy weeknights!

Delicious pasta recipes are one of my favorite meals and this lemon chicken pasta recipe is loaded on flavor and ready in no time.

Remember this creamy ground beef pasta, easy taco pasta, and Italian sausage pasta? So easy and ready for busy weeknights. 

If you’re looking for a lemon pasta with simple ingredients and great flavor, look no further. This is sure to be a family favorite, even for those picky eaters!

With a creamy lemon sauce, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and al dente pasta, this dish has been on my dinner rotation for the past few months…it’s just that good! My husband loves the tender chicken and the bright lemon flavor. It’s perfect for leftovers and even freezer-friendly, too. 

And I did I mention this dish is ready in 25 minutes? That means less time in the kitchen and more time doing the things you enjoy.

Ingredients in Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe:

• Uncooked pasta
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Zesty Lemon Cream Sauce:

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• Garlic powder
• Italian season
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make the Best Lemon Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and then add olive oil. Add chicken to skillet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook and brown chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan, let rest for 3-4 minutes, and then cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Scrape the bottom of skillet to get the browned bits off from bottom of pan. Then add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Add pasta and chicken to sauce and toss to coat. Adjust seasonings and garish with additional lemon zest/juice, if needed.

How to Store Leftover Pasta:

This chicken pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy pasta sauce will not turn out well once reheated.

What to Serve with Chicken Pasta Recipe:

While this pasta is delicious all on its own, I like to serve it with this cheesy garlic bread, a simple green salad, or this asparagus recipe.

Tips for Making Chicken Lemon Pasta:

• Make sure the pasta is cooked until al dente. You don’t want to overcook it, as it will become chewy. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, watch carefully, as it tends to cook faster than regular pasta.
• If you want more lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the chicken as it cooks.
• To make this meal extra easy, use shredded rotisserie chicken that you can find near the deli section of your grocery store.
• I like using heavy cream for this recipe because of the richness, but feel free to use half and half or milk (though it won’t be as creamy).
• I use garlic powder for ease and convenience, but fresh garlic cloves would make a delicious addition. 
• Add some asparagus, sweet peas, or crispy bacon for even more flavor!
• Fresh basil or fresh parsley would make a tasty addition, too.

Looking for More Chicken Pasta Dishes? I’ve Got You Covered!

• Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
• Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• One Pan Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta