Description
This easy lemon chicken pasta recipe is creamy, fresh, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with tender slices of boneless skinless chicken breast, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious lemon cream sauce with garlic and parmesan. A simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines bright citrus notes and comforting creaminess.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat each piece of thinly sliced chicken evenly by pressing into the flour mixture on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the coated chicken slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Lemon Cream Sauce: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the shaved parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-size pieces and add back to the skillet. Gently toss to combine everything. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Notes
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier and get the most flavor.
- Use freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of lemon juice at the end for your preferred balance of tartness and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
