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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Tender golden chicken with spaghetti in a rich garlic lemon cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning divided: 1 tsp for chicken, 1 tsp for sauce
  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 whole lemon zested and juiced, about 3 tbsp juice
  • 1.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water scooped out before draining pasta
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Shallow bowl for dredging
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create cutlets about 1/2-inch thick. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165 degrees F). Do not move the chicken while it cooks. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic, remaining teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce warm through and thicken slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the pan, stirring until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream. Not recommended for freezing. Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for food safety.