Quick & Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of homemade lemon garlic chicken pasta—it’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor that speaks to the soul. I’ve made this dish countless times for busy weeknights and casual dinner parties, and it never fails to impress. The juicy chicken, tender pasta, and that creamy lemon garlic sauce come together in perfect harmony, with just the right balance of brightness and richness.

What I love most about this lemon garlic chicken pasta is how quickly it comes together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you’re craving something cozy, zesty, and satisfying, this lemon garlic chicken pasta is one you’ll keep coming back to.

Why This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Is a Winner

This creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta has become one of those trusted weeknight dinners I reach for again and again. It’s hearty enough to fill everyone up, thanks to the balance of chicken, pasta, and veggies, but still feels light and fresh—especially with that zingy lemon kick that shines in warmer months. At the same time, the creamy garlic sauce adds a cozy touch when the weather turns cool.

What I really love is how flexible this lemon garlic chicken pasta is: you can swap ingredients to suit your family’s needs, and it still turns out delicious every time. Whether you’re serving it with a crisp glass of white wine or a quick side salad, this lemon garlic chicken pasta brings just the right mix of comfort and brightness to the table.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• The Little Secret That Changed My Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Forever
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Fettuccine or linguine pasta (substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed)
• Butter
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Baby spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Pine nuts for extra texture

The key to this lemon garlic chicken breast recipe is using fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh garlic creates a more complex flavor than powder, while fresh lemon juice and zest provide that bright, citrusy kick that makes this dish memorable. For those following a keto diet, this recipe works perfectly as-is, just swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Start Pasta Water

1. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.

Cook Pasta and Create the Base Sauce

1. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining (this starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta later).
3. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce by half.

Build the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the lemon garlic cream sauce.
5. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon.

Final Assembly and Seasoning

1. If the sauce seems too thick, add pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
3. Add fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if needed.
5. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Professional Tips for Successful Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after seasoning to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in the final taste. When cooking the garlic, watch it carefully to prevent burning, which would create a bitter flavor that could ruin the entire dish.

For the creamiest lemon garlic white wine sauce, remove the pan from heat before adding the Parmesan cheese. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or clumpy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This easy lemon chicken pasta provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken breast offers lean protein, while the pasta provides energy-sustaining carbs. The lemon adds vitamin C and helps with iron absorption from the other ingredients.

For a complete meal, serve this lemon herb chicken pasta alongside roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette. The bright flavors also pair beautifully with steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony notes perfectly.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Transform this basic recipe into different flavor profiles by trying these variations:

• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute shrimp or scallops for chicken, cooking them just until pink and tender.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
• Whole Grain Option: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and protein content.

For those avoiding gluten, rice noodles or shirataki noodles work wonderfully with this lemony pasta with chicken recipe. The key is adjusting cooking times accordingly since alternative pasta types may cook differently than traditional wheat pasta.

Equipment

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is crucial for this one pot lemon garlic chicken recipe. The heavy bottom prevents hot spots that could burn the garlic or cause the cream to curdle. A 12-inch skillet gives you enough room to toss the pasta without making a mess.

You'll also need a large pasta pot with a colander for cooking the noodles. A microplane grater makes quick work of the lemon zest, creating fine shreds that distribute evenly throughout the sauce. If you don't have a microplane, a fine-mesh grater works just as well.

Storage

Store leftover lemon garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may separate slightly when cold, but gently reheating while stirring will bring it back together.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid using high heat, which can cause the sauce to break. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

While you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the components separately and combine when reheating.

FAQ

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

This lemon garlic chicken pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight lifesaver that brings big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy lemon sauce, paired with tender chicken and garlic-kissed pasta, hits that sweet spot between comfort and freshness. Whether you're feeding a family or treating yourself after a long day, this dish has a way of making dinner feel like a little celebration.

If you loved this Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe, you might also enjoy my rich and hearty Instant Pot Bolognese Pasta for another comforting classic, or the refreshing and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta—perfect for warm weather dinners. Give them a try and keep your pasta nights deliciously inspired!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
– Kaitlyn Reed,

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this lemon garlic chicken pasta recipe: