30-Minute One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta 🍋🍝✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting yet light pasta dish that comes together quickly, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe. Combining tender chicken, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a silky sauce, this 30-Minute Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Its one-pot method ensures minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for a delicious dinner with minimal fuss.
2. Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne or spaghetti works great)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Meanwhile, cook your pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Create the Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. For best results, consume the dish within the first 24 hours for optimal freshness.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Chicken Pasta
This creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a light green salad topped with vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. For an added crunch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts on top. For more delicious pasta ideas, check out our recipe collection.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! Use light or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories. Incorporating whole wheat pasta adds fiber for a wholesome twist.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly here. Just ensure they are cooked through, and slice them thinly for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This 30-Minute Chicken Pasta recipe is designed for quick preparation, typically taking around 30 minutes from start to finish.
What are some substitutions for the lemon?
If you don’t have fresh lemon, you can use bottled lemon juice sparingly. Lime juice can also provide a similar citrusy flavor.
7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for this Recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Although not needed for this quick dish, a slow cooker is perfect for meal prep ahead of time.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Makes chopping garlic and herbs effortless, saving time and effort.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — If you want to add roasted vegetables or crispy chicken to your pasta, this versatile Air Fryer is a great addition.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Helpful for preparing sauces or even making fresh pasta at home!
8. Related Delicious Recipes You Might Love
- Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
9. Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of bright citrus, savory chicken, and creamy sauce, all cooked in just 30 minutes. Its easy, one-pot cleanup makes it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Whip up this delicious dish today and enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
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30-Minute One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Enjoy a quick, flavorful, and creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot dish features tender chicken, fresh lemon, and a rich garlic sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden and cooked through (5-6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Add a little more olive oil to the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant (~30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Wildly versatile—add vegetables or switch pasta types for variety.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg