Description
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is the ultimate blend of rich and zesty flavors. Using cooked or rotisserie chicken, fresh lemon juice, and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels fancy yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional or dairy-free substitute)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked or shredded chicken to the pan and heat through.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Stir in cooked pasta and parmesan cheese, if using. Toss to combine.
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
- Coconut cream or cashew cream can be used for a dairy-free option.
- To lighten the dish, substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Reheat gently with added broth to prevent sauce from separating.
- Do not mix pasta and sauce too far in advance if prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner, Rotisserie Chicken Recipes, Lemon Garlic Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe