Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Whipping up a delectable lemon garlic chicken pasta promises pure culinary magic for hungry souls seeking comfort.

Creamy sauces always spark excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among silky noodles create a delightful symphony of flavors.

Bold garlic notes dance beautifully with bright citrus undertones, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious and simple to prepare.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly, guaranteeing restaurant-quality satisfaction right at home.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta That Sings

• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients make this chicken pasta a stress-free cooking experience for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon, rich garlic, and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies diverse taste preferences, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding vegetables, swapping protein, or adjusting seasoning to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Professional-style dish delivers gourmet taste without complicated techniques, bringing fine dining experience right to your kitchen with basic cooking skills.

Ingredients to Brighten Up the Dish

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the pasta dish.
• Eggs: Help create a crispy coating for the chicken by acting as a binding agent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor to the chicken coating and provides a savory finish to the dish.

• Fettuccine: A classic pasta shape that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Create a light and crispy coating for the chicken, adding texture to the dish.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide richness and help develop flavors in the cooking process.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy freshness to balance the rich cream sauce.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce's flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and a light flavor.

Simple Steps to Make This Pasta

Step 1: Bread the Chicken

• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Panko bread crumbs

Dunk each chicken piece first into the Parmesan, next into the whisked egg, then roll thoroughly in bread crumbs to create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the coating turns golden and chicken reaches complete doneness. Move cooked chicken to a clean plate and slice into delectable bite-sized pieces or keep whole.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Cook fettuccine in rapidly boiling water following package guidelines. Once perfectly tender, drain completely and set aside.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in lemon juice, white wine, and heavy cream. Stir ingredients together smoothly.

Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Merge Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand gets beautifully coated.

Reintroduce sliced chicken back into the skillet to warm through.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer steaming pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Tips to Perfect the Creamy Sauce

• Press panko firmly onto chicken for an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the sauce's rich flavor profile.
• Reserve a quarter cup of pasta water before draining to help sauce cling better and create a silkier texture when mixing.
• Roast garlic briefly before adding to sauce for a mellower, deeper flavor that won't overpower the delicate lemon notes.
• If sauce separates or becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of warm pasta water to restore smooth, creamy consistency.

Variations to Keep It Fresh

• Mediterranean Zest: Replace white wine with chicken broth, add sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into bread crumbs, use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan, and add chopped jalapeños to the sauce for heat.
• Herbal Garden Blend: Swap fettuccine with spinach pasta, incorporate fresh basil and thyme into the sauce, and sprinkle chopped chives and dill as garnish for an aromatic herb experience.
• Rustic Mushroom Fusion: Sauté sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms with garlic before adding cream sauce, use whole wheat pasta, and finish with truffle oil drizzle for an earthy depth.

Foods That Pair Perfectly

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy lemon garlic flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the bright citrus notes.
• Create Herbal Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts to provide a light, peppery contrast that balances the pasta's creamy texture.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with olive oil and herbs, adding a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that echoes the dish's Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Proper Storage for Creamy Chicken Pasta

Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Warm gently in skillet over low-medium heat. Stir continuously and add small amount of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Reheat slowly to maintain creamy sauce consistency.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Coat the chicken with Parmesan and breadcrumbs before cooking, which helps seal in moisture and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.

• Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

You can replace white wine with chicken broth or additional lemon juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that maintains similar flavor complexity.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is ideal, but you can also use linguine or spaghetti, which will hold the creamy sauce well and provide a similar texture.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter quantity, and opt for a lighter cheese coating to create a healthier version of the dish without compromising too much on flavor.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta delivers comfort and zest in one delightful dish. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious meal that satisfies your craving for rich, tangy goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts
• 1 egg

Breading and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a trio of coating stations by arranging three shallow dishes: one with finely grated Parmesan, another with beaten egg, and the third with crisp panko bread crumbs.
2. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast first in Parmesan, then dip in egg, and finally roll in bread crumbs to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest briefly before slicing into elegant bite-sized pieces or keeping whole.
6. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes.
7. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Deglaze the pan by pouring in fresh lemon juice, white wine, and heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
9. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to incorporate all flavors.
10. Drain pasta and add directly to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
11. Return sliced chicken to the skillet, warming through and allowing flavors to meld for an additional 1-2 minutes.
12. Plate the pasta, arranging chicken on top, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated by gently pressing the Parmesan and bread crumbs to help them adhere better.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• If sauce breaks or looks too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to stabilize and thicken quickly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg