Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g of spaghetti or fettuccine; Salt for boiling water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations Studio

I often find myself craving a comforting yet vibrant dish, and Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce hits all the right notes. The zesty lemon combined with creamy sauce creates a delightful balance that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a culinary experience. I love how quick it is to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful meal that impresses both my family and friends, making it a staple in my kitchen rotation.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:01:36.330Z

When I first made Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce, I was amazed at how the simple addition of lemon zest elevated the entire dish. The bright citrus flavor cuts through the richness of the cream, creating a delightful harmony. I've experimented with various herbs, but I keep returning to fresh parsley; its subtle earthiness complements the lemon perfectly.

One helpful tip I've learned over the years is to reserve a bit of the pasta water when draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta better, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as the last. It’s little tricks like this that transform cooking from just following a recipe into creating a memorable meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy lemon sauce that brightens the dish
Juicy chicken that complements the pasta perfectly
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings

The Role of Lemon in the Dish

The lemon zest and juice play a critical role in elevating the flavors of this Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce. The zest imparts a fresh, aromatic quality, while the juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cream. When using lemon, be sure to choose fresh ones; they offer a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juices. A quick tip is to roll the lemon on your countertop before juicing it; this helps to release more juice.

To maximize the lemon's impact, consider adjusting the amount used according to your taste preference. Start with the zest and juice of half a lemon, and if you desire more brightness, gradually add more until it complements the dish without overpowering it. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable for those who might prefer a milder sauce.

Perfecting Your Sauce

Creating a velvety lemon cream sauce requires careful attention while adding the heavy cream. After incorporating the cream, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent it from boiling, which could cause the sauce to separate. You want it to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, usually about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the garlic doesn’t catch on the bottom of the skillet, which can lead to a burnt taste.

If you find your sauce is too thick after combining it with the pasta, don’t hesitate to use the reserved pasta water. Start by adding just a tablespoon at a time to maintain control over the consistency. The starchy water not only helps to thin the sauce but also helps it cling better to the pasta.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

250g of spaghetti or fettuccine
Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or substituting the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Pasta With Lemon Cream Sauce can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Cook the pasta al dente and prepare the lemon cream sauce separately. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the creaminess before mixing it with the reheated pasta.

If you plan to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately. Cream-based sauces don’t always reheat well after freezing, but dividing the dish will allow for better texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up on the stove, and then combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful Chicken Pasta is versatile for serving and can easily be dressed up for various occasions. For an elegant dinner, serve it in stylish shallow bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Adding a side of garlic bread or a light green salad with vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully by balancing the richness of the sauce.

For a twist, you can also include seasonal vegetables like spinach or asparagus into the pasta dish. Sauté them together with the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the flavors to meld. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds color and texture, making the dish even more appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can be a healthier alternative while still being delicious with the sauce.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use a plant-based cream for the sauce.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

A simple garden salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully.