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Creamy Lemon Chicken and Pasta

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Creamy Lemon Chicken and Pasta is an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner featuring thin-sliced chicken in a luscious lemon cream sauce served over basil Parmesan pasta. It’s bright, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked dry pasta (bucatini, spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair)
  • 6 thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/3 cup finely diced shallots
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. If needed, pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until browned (no need to cook through). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Scrape up any browned bits and bring to a low boil. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh basil.
  9. Meanwhile, place drained pasta in a large bowl. Add Parmesan cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons basil, and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Toss to combine.
  10. Serve chicken over pasta and spoon creamy lemon sauce on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use thin-sliced chicken for quick, even cooking.
  • Angel hair pasta cooks faster if you’re in a rush, but any long pasta works well.
  • Add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg