Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a zesty, comforting dish where tender chicken is coated in a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce and tossed with pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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⏱️ Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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🧰 Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium pot (for pasta)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra Parmesan

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📌 Ingredient Notes

• Chicken: Sliced into strips for quick cooking.
• Pasta: Cook al dente according to package instructions.
• Sauce: Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less tanginess.

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook Pasta
   • Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Cook Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken
   • Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
   • Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

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🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Sodium: 700 mg

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💡 Tips

• Do not overcook chicken; keep it tender and juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.

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🔄 Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli, spinach, or asparagus.
• Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.