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Creamy lemon chicken pasta with golden chicken slices and spaghetti in rich lemon cream sauce garnished with fresh parsley in skillet

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Tender golden chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, lemony cream sauce that's both refreshing and indulgent. Ready in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise to form thinner fillets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large lemon zest and juice
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese freshly shaved preferred
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Large 12-inch skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Shallow bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente (typically 8-9 minutes, but check your package directions). Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for more even cooking. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so coating adheres, then shake off any excess.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (a drop of water should sizzle immediately). Add the coated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side without moving them. You want a deep golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan (don't wipe it out, those browned bits add flavor). Add minced garlic and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the shaved Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce looks glossy and smooth.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss with tongs to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach a silky consistency. Slice the chicken into strips and nestle it into the pasta. Toss everything together until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise for thinner, faster-cooking pieces. Cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with sauce. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water.