If you love a dinner that’s both comforting and bright, I’m about to share a real winner: my Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and garlic-kissed, with juicy chicken and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want something that feels a little special but comes together fast, this recipe is going to win you over. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one for weeknights or even casual dinner parties.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Bright and Creamy Flavor: The lemon juice adds freshness while the cream gives it that rich, comforting texture.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, as the sauce comes together in the same pan you cook the chicken in.
Family Favorite: The combo of garlic, lemon, and parmesan is a crowd-pleaser every time.

This close-up image shows tubes of rigatoni pasta covered in a creamy white sauce, mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken that have a light brown sear. The pasta is speckled with green herbs and some black pepper bits, and has a smooth, slightly glossy texture. The sauce looks thick and coats every piece evenly. A shiny metal spoon is partially visible picking up some pasta and chicken on the right side. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, quick chicken pasta, lemon chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get cooking, plus a few tips so you know what to look for.

Flat lay of dried farfalle pasta, two whole chicken breasts, small white bowl of olive oil, three whole garlic cloves, small white bowl of heavy cream, small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, small white bowl of butter, fresh sprigs of chopped parsley, fresh lemon with visible zest, salt and pepper in small white bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, quick chicken pasta, lemon chicken dinner

Dried Pasta: I like to use something like penne or fusilli because the sauce clings nicely, but go with your favorite type.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best for flavor, helping the chicken crisp perfectly.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless work great—plus, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Salt and Black Pepper: These basics boost all the flavors; don’t skip seasoning your chicken well.
Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential—this dish depends on that aromatic punch.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed always beats bottled—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if possible; it melts better and tastes fresher.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish adds a vibrant, herby finish.
Lemon Zest (optional): I love adding a little extra lemony brightness on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. I often switch up the herbs or pasta shape depending on what I have on hand — and you can too!

Herbs Swap: I personally love fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley once in a while—it changes the vibe but keeps the freshness.
Protein Swap: Turkey breast or even shrimp make great alternatives if you want something different.
Dairy-Free: I once tried coconut cream in place of heavy cream—it’s not traditional, but it works with a touch of nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt is key here—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning it still has a tiny bite. Drain, but save a cup of that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Beautifully

Next, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. You want a nice golden crust, so cook for 4-5 minutes per side. If you have an instant-read thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy. Once done, push the chicken to the sides of the pan to make room for your sauce.

Step 3: Build That Luscious Sauce

In the same pan, melt your butter in the center and add the minced garlic. Let it cook just about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then whisk to combine into a smooth sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan and keep mixing until it melts completely. If your sauce feels too thick or heavy, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This trick will give you a silky, perfectly balanced sauce.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Chicken Together

Slice or shred your chicken breasts and add them to the sauce, then fold in your cooked pasta. Stir everything gently so the pasta gets fully coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. Give it a final taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if you want a bit more zing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Time for the finishing touches: sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a little bit of lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy. These garnishes brighten the dish and add a fresh pop that your family and guests will absolutely notice.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of pasta water to your sauce helps loosen it and enhances creaminess thanks to the starch.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keeping the chicken juicy is crucial—using a thermometer takes the guesswork out and prevents dryness.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Using fresh lemons adds a clean brightness you won’t get from bottled juice.
Gentle Tossing: Stir the pasta gently with the sauce to avoid breaking the pasta and ensure even coverage.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with chunks of light beige chicken pieces, all coated in a smooth, pale yellow sauce. The pasta is ribbed and tubular, scattered evenly throughout the dish. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled over the top, adding bright color contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially under the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, quick chicken pasta, lemon chicken dinner

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra shower of parmesan because it adds color and a fresh herbaceous note. If I’m in a fancy mood, a little lemon zest over the top really makes it pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this pasta are crisp garlic bread and a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy, zesty flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this pasta in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to give a restaurant-style touch. You can also plate it over a bed of baby arugula for a peppery contrast that’s beautiful and tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing so it stays fresh and safe to enjoy later.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but not my favorite since cream-based sauces can sometimes separate on thawing. If you do freeze, portion it out, and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet on low, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky sauce texture. Microwaving works too, but watch closely to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer darker meat or want juicier chicken. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs often take a bit longer to reach 165°F (74°C). The flavor actually gets richer with thighs, which works beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce.
What type of pasta works best with creamy lemon chicken pasta?

I recommend pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Their nooks and spirals trap the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you that satisfying bite in every forkful. That said, feel free to use whatever pasta you love or have on hand!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor. Just note the taste will shift slightly, but it’s still creamy and delicious!
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and milk can reduce the fat while keeping creaminess. Just stir in the yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling. Using whole wheat or veggie-enriched pasta can also boost nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe brings simple ingredients together into something that feels both indulgent and fresh. When I first tried it, I was hooked by that perfect balance of bright lemon and rich cream—plus the garlic just seals the deal. It’s one of those dishes my family asks for repeatedly, and honestly, I’m always happy to make it again. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!