Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight comfort meal! Tender chicken is tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with a bright hint of lemon for an easy dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced or cubed – Tender lean protein.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Classic herb blend.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds mild smoky flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine linguine, or penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter – Rich base for the sauce.
- 5 garlic cloves minced – Fresh garlic creates bold flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk – Creates a creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and silky.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds cheesy richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional – Adds gentle heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Fresh garnish.
Optional Add-Ins
- Baby spinach
- Broccoli florets
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
- Melt the butter and sauté the garlic.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, then simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed for a silky sauce.
- Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon zest.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.