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This restaurant-worthy Creamy
Lemon Chicken Pasta
is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company. It’s a family favorite recipe (and one that I actually adapted from my husband!) that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta
The Ingredients
Ingredient Swap
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
How to Store and Reheat:
More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta
A Super Satisfying Meal.
You can’t beat a meal that is hearty, comforting, family-friendly, and makes fabulous leftovers the next day.
Adaptable.
I am very much a fan of
bulking up
pastas to make them more
nutritious
and
filling
. This recipe is a blank canvas to do just that. You can add spinach, roasted tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli florets. (
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
and this
One Pan Pasta
are great examples of bulking up pasta recipes.)
Weeknight-Friendly.
This Lemon Chicken Pasta comes together in right under 40 minutes. I suggest serving it with a fresh green salad on the side to really round out the meal.
This recipe is actually one my husband, Kyle, has been making the past few months.
Every time I share it on Instagram stories, I am flooded with recipe inquiries. So we finally got around to re-testing (and perfecting!) it so I could share it on my site.
I love how the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce to create a more balanced, beautifully bright flavor profile.
We personally love pairing the pasta with chicken, however I imagine shrimp would also be super tasty.
And if you’re on the hunt for more crave-worthy pasta recipes, try this
Mediterranean Pasta
or my
Red Pesto Pasta
next.
The Ingredients
Chicken:
I prefer using
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
, thinly sliced into cutlets.
Spices:
A mix of oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a zesty flavor profile for the chicken. I also love adding a little lemon zest to the mix, however totally optional!
Olive Oil + Butter:
If you prefer using all olive oil, that’s totally fine. Butter just adds a little extra richness.
Onion:
You can use sweet onion, yellow onion, or shallots.
Garlic:
I go heavy with the garlic (6 cloves), however feel free to use as much or as little as you like.
Heavy Cream:
To create a luxuriously creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can use half-and-half.
Broth:
Chicken broth helps create a more flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth.
Parsley:
Be sure to use fresh parsley for bright, herbaceous flavor. Stay away from dried herbs, which are lackluster in flavor.Â
Lemon:
We’re using both
lemon zest
and
juice
for a double installment of lemony goodness. Bright flavor from the whole lemon gives this pasta its name and makes the flavors sing.
Parmesan:
Be sure to buy the real-deal, and grate it yourself right off of the block.
Pasta:
I prefer a long, twirl-worthy noodle like bucatini, pappardelle, or fettuccine. Shorter noodles do not work as well, since part of how the silky sauce forms is due to the way long noodles swoosh and sway through the sauce.
Ingredient Swap
When fragrant Meyer lemons are in season, they’re a fantastic addition to this lemon chicken pasta.
For a complete list of recipe
ingredients
and
quantities
, see the
recipe card
below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook Chicken
Place chicken in a bowl along with olive oil, spices, and lemon zest. Toss well to evenly coat.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until golden and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add butter to pan along with onion; cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 2 more minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth and Heavy Cream
, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Parsley, Parmesan, and Lemon.
Step 5: Add Pasta
to sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Top Pasta with Chicken
, and garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Recipe Variations
Add Veggies.
This Lemon Chicken Pasta is very much a blank canvas to bulk up with your veggie(s) of choice. I love adding seared mushrooms, broccoli, and/or a few handfuls of fresh spinach or baby arugula. Roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are also lovely additions.
Use a Different Protein.
In place of chicken, shrimp is also fantastic with this pasta.
Make Gluten Free.
Use your favorite brand of gluten free noodles – I prefer something brown rice or chickpea-based.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Lemon Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. It’s also delicious with a simple sautéed veggie. Here are a few suggestions:
Sautéed Broccoli
. Easy, speedy (ready in 15 minutes!), and the perfect pairing for a creamy pasta dish.
Brussels Salad
. This one includes pears, pecans, and a delicious whole-grain mustard dressing.
Sautéed Zucchini
. During the summer months, you can’t beat this garlic-herb sautéed zucchini recipe.
Shaved Brussels Salad
. This lovely salad is tossed with pears, pumpkin seeds, apple, and Manchego cheese. Plus a punchy lemon-Dijon dressing!
How to Store and Reheat:
To Store.
Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to
3 days.
To Reheat.
Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
If you give this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a try, be sure to snap a pic and tagÂ
#dishingouthealth
 so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on
Â
Facebook
 and
Â
Pinterest
 for the latest recipe updates!
Large sauté pan
Stockpot or Dutch oven
Lemon-Herb Chicken
â–˘
1
lb.
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
, thinly sliced into cutlets
â–˘
2
Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
â–˘
2
tsp.
lemon zest
â–˘
2
tsp.
dried oregano
â–˘
1 1/2
tsp.
smoked paprika
â–˘
1
tsp.
garlic powder
â–˘
1
tsp.
onion powder
â–˘
3/4
tsp.
kosher salt
â–˘
3/4
tsp.
black pepper
Creamy Lemon Pasta
â–˘
1
lb.
pasta
of choice
(I prefer something long and twirly, such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
â–˘
1
Tbsp.
butter
â–˘
1 1/2
cups
finely chopped
yellow onion
â–˘
6
garlic cloves
, minced
â–˘
1
cup
heavy cream
â–˘
3/4
cup
chicken broth
â–˘
3/4
tsp.
kosher salt
â–˘
1/2
tsp.
black pepper
â–˘
1/3
cup
finely chopped
fresh parsley
(plus more for garnish)
â–˘
1/3
cup
grated
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
(plus more for garnish
â–˘
1
Tbsp.
lemon zest
plus 3 Tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
Optional add-ins
â–˘
Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, prepare chicken.
Place chicken in a bowl and combine with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices. Toss well to thoroughly coat both sides of chicken in seasoning.
Heat a large high-sided skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until nicely golden and internal temperature reaches 165ºF, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
If your water is boiling at this point, begin cooking pasta until
just shy
of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce). Before draining,
reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
Prepare sauce.
Add butter to the pan (no need to wipe clean) along with chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until aromatic.
Add heavy cream, broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice.
Add pasta to the pan with sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Increase the heat to medium-high, and toss vigorously with a pair of tongs. Continue cooking and tossing constantly, until the pasta is glossed in a thick sauce, about 2 minutes.
If the sauce becomes too tight, add another splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again. When the sauce is nicely thickened and glossy, turn off heat.
Thinly slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
If you plan on adding any veggies, add them to the sauce right after stirring in the parsley, Parmesan, and lemon.Â
To Store.
Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to
3 days.
To Reheat.
Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Serving:
2
heaping cups
|
Calories:
612
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
58
g
|
Protein:
31
g
|
Fat:
27
g
|
Saturated Fat:
12
g
|
Sodium:
920
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
6
g
I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands. |
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# Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
[](https://dishingouthealth.com/about/)
By [Jamie Vespa](https://dishingouthealth.com/about/)
on Feb 14, 2025 Updated Jun 23, 2025
4\.94 from 32 votes
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our [disclosure policy](https://dishingouthealth.com/privacy-policy/).
*This restaurant-worthy Creamy **Lemon Chicken Pasta** is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company. It’s a family favorite recipe (and one that I actually adapted from my husband!) that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.*


## Table of Contents
- [Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-why-you-ll-love-this-lemon-chicken-pasta)
- [The Ingredients](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-the-ingredients)
- [Ingredient Swap](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-ingredient-swap)
- [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-step-by-step-instructions)
- [Recipe Variations](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-recipe-variations)
- [Serving Suggestions](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-serving-suggestions)
- [How to Store and Reheat:](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-how-to-store-and-reheat)
- [More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-more-delicious-chicken-pasta-recipes)
- [Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#wprm-recipe-container-38924)
## Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta
- **A Super Satisfying Meal.** You can’t beat a meal that is hearty, comforting, family-friendly, and makes fabulous leftovers the next day.
- **Adaptable.** I am very much a fan of **bulking up** pastas to make them more **nutritious** and **filling**. This recipe is a blank canvas to do just that. You can add spinach, roasted tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli florets. (**[Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake](https://dishingouthealth.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-bake/)** and this **[One Pan Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/one-pan-pasta/)** are great examples of bulking up pasta recipes.)
- **Weeknight-Friendly.** This Lemon Chicken Pasta comes together in right under 40 minutes. I suggest serving it with a fresh green salad on the side to really round out the meal.
This recipe is actually one my husband, Kyle, has been making the past few months.
Every time I share it on Instagram stories, I am flooded with recipe inquiries. So we finally got around to re-testing (and perfecting!) it so I could share it on my site.
I love how the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce to create a more balanced, beautifully bright flavor profile.
We personally love pairing the pasta with chicken, however I imagine shrimp would also be super tasty.
And if you’re on the hunt for more crave-worthy pasta recipes, try this **[Mediterranean Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/mediterranean-pasta/)** or my **[Red Pesto Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/red-pesto-pasta/)** next.
## The Ingredients


- **Chicken:** I prefer using **boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, thinly sliced into cutlets.
- **Spices:** A mix of oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a zesty flavor profile for the chicken. I also love adding a little lemon zest to the mix, however totally optional\!
- **Olive Oil + Butter:** If you prefer using all olive oil, that’s totally fine. Butter just adds a little extra richness.
- **Onion:** You can use sweet onion, yellow onion, or shallots.
- **Garlic:** I go heavy with the garlic (6 cloves), however feel free to use as much or as little as you like.
- **Heavy Cream:** To create a luxuriously creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can use half-and-half.
- **Broth:** Chicken broth helps create a more flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth.
- **Parsley:** Be sure to use fresh parsley for bright, herbaceous flavor. Stay away from dried herbs, which are lackluster in flavor.
- **Lemon:** We’re using both **lemon zest** and **juice** for a double installment of lemony goodness. Bright flavor from the whole lemon gives this pasta its name and makes the flavors sing.
- **Parmesan:** Be sure to buy the real-deal, and grate it yourself right off of the block.
- **Pasta:** I prefer a long, twirl-worthy noodle like bucatini, pappardelle, or fettuccine. Shorter noodles do not work as well, since part of how the silky sauce forms is due to the way long noodles swoosh and sway through the sauce.
## Ingredient Swap
When fragrant Meyer lemons are in season, they’re a fantastic addition to this lemon chicken pasta.
*For a complete list of recipe **ingredients** and **quantities**, see the **recipe card** below.*
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Season and Cook Chicken**
Place chicken in a bowl along with olive oil, spices, and lemon zest. Toss well to evenly coat.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until golden and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate.
**Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic**
Add butter to pan along with onion; cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 2 more minutes.


**Step 3: Add Broth and Heavy Cream**, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
**Step 4: Stir in Parsley, Parmesan, and Lemon.**


**Step 5: Add Pasta** to sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
**Step 6: Top Pasta with Chicken**, and garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.


## Recipe Variations
- **Add Veggies.** This Lemon Chicken Pasta is very much a blank canvas to bulk up with your veggie(s) of choice. I love adding seared mushrooms, broccoli, and/or a few handfuls of fresh spinach or baby arugula. Roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are also lovely additions.
- **Use a Different Protein.** In place of chicken, shrimp is also fantastic with this pasta.
- **Make Gluten Free.** Use your favorite brand of gluten free noodles – I prefer something brown rice or chickpea-based.
## Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Lemon Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. It’s also delicious with a simple sautéed veggie. Here are a few suggestions:
- **[Sautéed Broccoli](https://dishingouthealth.com/sauteed-broccoli-recipe/)**. Easy, speedy (ready in 15 minutes!), and the perfect pairing for a creamy pasta dish.
- **[Brussels Salad](https://dishingouthealth.com/brussels-salad/)**. This one includes pears, pecans, and a delicious whole-grain mustard dressing.
- **[Sautéed Zucchini](https://dishingouthealth.com/sauteed-zucchini/)**. During the summer months, you can’t beat this garlic-herb sautéed zucchini recipe.
- **[Shaved Brussels Salad](https://dishingouthealth.com/shaved-brussels-pear-salad-manchego/)**. This lovely salad is tossed with pears, pumpkin seeds, apple, and Manchego cheese. Plus a punchy lemon-Dijon dressing\!
## How to Store and Reheat:
- **To Store.** Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to **3 days.**
- **To Reheat.** Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.


## More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
[](https://dishingouthealth.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-bake/)
NFNut-Free
### [Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake](https://dishingouthealth.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-bake/)
[](https://dishingouthealth.com/30-minute-low-fat-chicken-florentine-pasta/)
### [30 Minute Chicken Florentine Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/30-minute-low-fat-chicken-florentine-pasta/)
[](https://dishingouthealth.com/honey-mustard-pasta-salad/)
DFDairy-FreeNFNut-Free
### [Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad](https://dishingouthealth.com/honey-mustard-pasta-salad/)
[](https://dishingouthealth.com/skinny-chicken-alfredo-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/)
NFNut-FreeLCLow Carb
### [Skinny Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash](https://dishingouthealth.com/skinny-chicken-alfredo-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/)
If you give this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag **\#dishingouthealth** so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dishingouthealth/)** and **[Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/jamievespa/)** for the latest recipe updates\!


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4\.94 from 32 votes
## Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
By [Jamie Vespa MS, RD](https://dishingouthealth.com/about/)
This restaurant-worthy CreamyLemon Chicken Pasta is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company. It's a family favorite recipe and guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
### Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Stockpot or Dutch oven
### Ingredients 1x 2x 3x
#### Lemon-Herb Chicken
- â–˘
1 lb. **boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, thinly sliced into cutlets
- â–˘
2 Tbsp. **extra-virgin olive oil**
- â–˘
2 tsp. **lemon zest**
- â–˘
2 tsp. **dried oregano**
- â–˘
1 1/2 tsp. **smoked paprika**
- â–˘
1 tsp. **garlic powder**
- â–˘
1 tsp. **onion powder**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **kosher salt**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **black pepper**
#### Creamy Lemon Pasta
- â–˘
1 lb. **pasta** of choice (I prefer something long and twirly, such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
- â–˘
1 Tbsp. **butter**
- â–˘
1 1/2 cups finely chopped **yellow onion**
- â–˘
6 **garlic cloves**, minced
- â–˘
1 cup **heavy cream**
- â–˘
3/4 cup **chicken broth**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **kosher salt**
- â–˘
1/2 tsp. **black pepper**
- â–˘
1/3 cup finely chopped **fresh parsley** (plus more for garnish)
- â–˘
1/3 cup grated **Parmigiano Reggiano cheese** (plus more for garnish
- â–˘
1 Tbsp. **lemon zest** plus 3 Tbsp. **fresh lemon juice**
#### Optional add-ins
- â–˘
Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms
### Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- **Meanwhile, prepare chicken.** Place chicken in a bowl and combine with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices. Toss well to thoroughly coat both sides of chicken in seasoning.
Heat a large high-sided skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until nicely golden and internal temperature reaches 165ºF, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- If your water is boiling at this point, begin cooking pasta until **just shy** of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce). Before draining, **reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.**
**Prepare sauce.** Add butter to the pan (no need to wipe clean) along with chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until aromatic.
Add heavy cream, broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice.
- Add pasta to the pan with sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Increase the heat to medium-high, and toss vigorously with a pair of tongs. Continue cooking and tossing constantly, until the pasta is glossed in a thick sauce, about 2 minutes.
If the sauce becomes too tight, add another splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again. When the sauce is nicely thickened and glossy, turn off heat.
- Thinly slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
### Notes
- - If you plan on adding any veggies, add them to the sauce right after stirring in the parsley, Parmesan, and lemon.
- **To Store.** Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to **3 days.**
- - **To Reheat.** Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
### Nutrition
Serving: 2heaping cups \| Calories: 612kcal \| Carbohydrates: 58g \| Protein: 31g \| Fat: 27g \| Saturated Fat: 12g \| Sodium: 920mg \| Fiber: 3g \| Sugar: 6g
I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.
If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and review below\!
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4\.94 from 32 votes
## Leave a comment [Cancel reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#respond)
## 39 Comments
1. **Rachel** says:
March 10, 2026 at 8:13 pm

Excellent! No notes.
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575887)
2. **Kate H** says:
March 9, 2026 at 7:11 am
This recipe is excellent. It makes a mountain food I almost couldn’t fit it in my biggest pan. I added a few handfuls of baby spinach for some veg.
Fed 3 hungry 10-16 year olds with plenty leftover for a second night maybe with a salad on the side. Very tasty sauce and not super creamy, just lovely. Thank you.
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575859)
3. **Jen M.** says:
February 25, 2026 at 11:52 am

I am always hesitant when it comes to cream sauces for the simple fact that I end up bloated. This was not that at all. It was light. It was quick for a Monday night meal. I did add sun dried tomatoes because I had some on hand. Excellent.
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575759)
4. **Kim Brennan** says:
February 22, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Adding capers for the win
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575731)
5. **Leah** says:
January 29, 2026 at 7:02 pm

Everyone loved it. Added fresh mushrooms. Will need longer to thicken en up if you decide to try
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575486)
6. **Dar** says:
January 26, 2026 at 12:20 pm

I made this last night & it was delicious. The lemon was perfect. I would also season the chicken with this recipe and just use that as well – it’s that good.
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575441)
7. **Noah** says:
January 7, 2026 at 10:27 pm

This recipe was absolutely amazing. Made it for my wife and I and she said it was the best thing I’d ever made for her. I would 100% recommend anyone to try this beautifully made dish.
[Reply](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#comment-575047)
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About Jamie
I'm Jamie; Registered Dietitian, former magazine editor and current food journalist and recipe developer serving up delicious, nutritious recipes.
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*This restaurant-worthy Creamy **Lemon Chicken Pasta** is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company. It’s a family favorite recipe (and one that I actually adapted from my husband!) that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.*

## Table of Contents
- [Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-why-you-ll-love-this-lemon-chicken-pasta)
- [The Ingredients](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-the-ingredients)
- [Ingredient Swap](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-ingredient-swap)
- [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-step-by-step-instructions)
- [Recipe Variations](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-recipe-variations)
- [Serving Suggestions](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-serving-suggestions)
- [How to Store and Reheat:](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-how-to-store-and-reheat)
- [More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#h-more-delicious-chicken-pasta-recipes)
- [Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe](https://dishingouthealth.com/lemon-chicken-pasta/#wprm-recipe-container-38924)
## Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken Pasta
- **A Super Satisfying Meal.** You can’t beat a meal that is hearty, comforting, family-friendly, and makes fabulous leftovers the next day.
- **Adaptable.** I am very much a fan of **bulking up** pastas to make them more **nutritious** and **filling**. This recipe is a blank canvas to do just that. You can add spinach, roasted tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli florets. (**[Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake](https://dishingouthealth.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-bake/)** and this **[One Pan Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/one-pan-pasta/)** are great examples of bulking up pasta recipes.)
- **Weeknight-Friendly.** This Lemon Chicken Pasta comes together in right under 40 minutes. I suggest serving it with a fresh green salad on the side to really round out the meal.
This recipe is actually one my husband, Kyle, has been making the past few months.
Every time I share it on Instagram stories, I am flooded with recipe inquiries. So we finally got around to re-testing (and perfecting!) it so I could share it on my site.
I love how the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce to create a more balanced, beautifully bright flavor profile.
We personally love pairing the pasta with chicken, however I imagine shrimp would also be super tasty.
And if you’re on the hunt for more crave-worthy pasta recipes, try this **[Mediterranean Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/mediterranean-pasta/)** or my **[Red Pesto Pasta](https://dishingouthealth.com/red-pesto-pasta/)** next.
## The Ingredients

- **Chicken:** I prefer using **boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, thinly sliced into cutlets.
- **Spices:** A mix of oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a zesty flavor profile for the chicken. I also love adding a little lemon zest to the mix, however totally optional\!
- **Olive Oil + Butter:** If you prefer using all olive oil, that’s totally fine. Butter just adds a little extra richness.
- **Onion:** You can use sweet onion, yellow onion, or shallots.
- **Garlic:** I go heavy with the garlic (6 cloves), however feel free to use as much or as little as you like.
- **Heavy Cream:** To create a luxuriously creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can use half-and-half.
- **Broth:** Chicken broth helps create a more flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth.
- **Parsley:** Be sure to use fresh parsley for bright, herbaceous flavor. Stay away from dried herbs, which are lackluster in flavor.
- **Lemon:** We’re using both **lemon zest** and **juice** for a double installment of lemony goodness. Bright flavor from the whole lemon gives this pasta its name and makes the flavors sing.
- **Parmesan:** Be sure to buy the real-deal, and grate it yourself right off of the block.
- **Pasta:** I prefer a long, twirl-worthy noodle like bucatini, pappardelle, or fettuccine. Shorter noodles do not work as well, since part of how the silky sauce forms is due to the way long noodles swoosh and sway through the sauce.
## Ingredient Swap
When fragrant Meyer lemons are in season, they’re a fantastic addition to this lemon chicken pasta.
*For a complete list of recipe **ingredients** and **quantities**, see the **recipe card** below.*
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Season and Cook Chicken**
Place chicken in a bowl along with olive oil, spices, and lemon zest. Toss well to evenly coat.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until golden and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate.
**Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic**
Add butter to pan along with onion; cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 2 more minutes.

**Step 3: Add Broth and Heavy Cream**, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
**Step 4: Stir in Parsley, Parmesan, and Lemon.**

**Step 5: Add Pasta** to sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
**Step 6: Top Pasta with Chicken**, and garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

## Recipe Variations
- **Add Veggies.** This Lemon Chicken Pasta is very much a blank canvas to bulk up with your veggie(s) of choice. I love adding seared mushrooms, broccoli, and/or a few handfuls of fresh spinach or baby arugula. Roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are also lovely additions.
- **Use a Different Protein.** In place of chicken, shrimp is also fantastic with this pasta.
- **Make Gluten Free.** Use your favorite brand of gluten free noodles – I prefer something brown rice or chickpea-based.
## Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Lemon Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. It’s also delicious with a simple sautéed veggie. Here are a few suggestions:
- **[Sautéed Broccoli](https://dishingouthealth.com/sauteed-broccoli-recipe/)**. Easy, speedy (ready in 15 minutes!), and the perfect pairing for a creamy pasta dish.
- **[Brussels Salad](https://dishingouthealth.com/brussels-salad/)**. This one includes pears, pecans, and a delicious whole-grain mustard dressing.
- **[Sautéed Zucchini](https://dishingouthealth.com/sauteed-zucchini/)**. During the summer months, you can’t beat this garlic-herb sautéed zucchini recipe.
- **[Shaved Brussels Salad](https://dishingouthealth.com/shaved-brussels-pear-salad-manchego/)**. This lovely salad is tossed with pears, pumpkin seeds, apple, and Manchego cheese. Plus a punchy lemon-Dijon dressing\!
## How to Store and Reheat:
- **To Store.** Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to **3 days.**
- **To Reheat.** Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
If you give this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag **\#dishingouthealth** so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dishingouthealth/)** and **[Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/jamievespa/)** for the latest recipe updates\!
- Large sauté pan
- Stockpot or Dutch oven
#### Lemon-Herb Chicken
- â–˘
1 lb. **boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, thinly sliced into cutlets
- â–˘
2 Tbsp. **extra-virgin olive oil**
- â–˘
2 tsp. **lemon zest**
- â–˘
2 tsp. **dried oregano**
- â–˘
1 1/2 tsp. **smoked paprika**
- â–˘
1 tsp. **garlic powder**
- â–˘
1 tsp. **onion powder**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **kosher salt**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **black pepper**
#### Creamy Lemon Pasta
- â–˘
1 lb. **pasta** of choice (I prefer something long and twirly, such as bucatini, spaghetti, pappardelle, or fettuccine)
- â–˘
1 Tbsp. **butter**
- â–˘
1 1/2 cups finely chopped **yellow onion**
- â–˘
6 **garlic cloves**, minced
- â–˘
1 cup **heavy cream**
- â–˘
3/4 cup **chicken broth**
- â–˘
3/4 tsp. **kosher salt**
- â–˘
1/2 tsp. **black pepper**
- â–˘
1/3 cup finely chopped **fresh parsley** (plus more for garnish)
- â–˘
1/3 cup grated **Parmigiano Reggiano cheese** (plus more for garnish
- â–˘
1 Tbsp. **lemon zest** plus 3 Tbsp. **fresh lemon juice**
#### Optional add-ins
- â–˘
Fresh baby spinach or arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- **Meanwhile, prepare chicken.** Place chicken in a bowl and combine with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices. Toss well to thoroughly coat both sides of chicken in seasoning.
Heat a large high-sided skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Arrange chicken in pan and cook until nicely golden and internal temperature reaches 165ºF, about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- If your water is boiling at this point, begin cooking pasta until **just shy** of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce). Before draining, **reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.**
**Prepare sauce.** Add butter to the pan (no need to wipe clean) along with chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until aromatic.
Add heavy cream, broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice.
- Add pasta to the pan with sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Increase the heat to medium-high, and toss vigorously with a pair of tongs. Continue cooking and tossing constantly, until the pasta is glossed in a thick sauce, about 2 minutes.
If the sauce becomes too tight, add another splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again. When the sauce is nicely thickened and glossy, turn off heat.
- Thinly slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- - If you plan on adding any veggies, add them to the sauce right after stirring in the parsley, Parmesan, and lemon.
- **To Store.** Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to **3 days.**
- - **To Reheat.** Gently rewarm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to rehydrate the noodles and thin the sauce. Toss the noodles often and brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Serving: 2heaping cups \| Calories: 612kcal \| Carbohydrates: 58g \| Protein: 31g \| Fat: 27g \| Saturated Fat: 12g \| Sodium: 920mg \| Fiber: 3g \| Sugar: 6g
I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands. |
| Shard | 184 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 10846735529638343584 |
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