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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Bright and comforting, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta combines juicy seared chicken with a tangy lemon-infused cream sauce and twirly pasta for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both cozy and refreshing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 612 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Stockpot

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 lb. chicken breasts boneless, skinless, thinly sliced into cutlets
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • ¾ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¾ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 lb. pasta long twirly pasta like bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 ½ cups yellow onion finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ tsp. kosher salt for sauce
  • ½ tsp. black pepper for sauce
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley finely chopped + more for garnish
  • ⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated + more for garnish
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest extra
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Mix lemon zest, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use this seasoning to coat chicken cutlets.
  • In a skillet over medium-high, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Lower heat to medium, melt butter, and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken sauce.
  • Return cooked pasta and chicken to skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce. Stir in parsley.
  • Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with more lemon zest and Parmigiano if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy that comforting zing of lemon in every bite.
  • Optional: Mix in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli before serving.

Notes

You can prep chicken and onion in advance to save time. Use reserved pasta water to keep sauce creamy if reheating. Garnish with parsley, parmesan, and lemon zest for extra contrast.