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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta features tender chicken and linguini tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with fresh lemon juice and zest.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 ounces linguini pasta
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Chicken

  • ½ pound chicken tenderloins cubed
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Creamy Lemon Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges optional

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguini according to the package directions until al dente.
  • Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
  • Season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fully cooked.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the lemon zest and half-and-half, stirring until combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Slowly whisk in the fresh lemon juice to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the cooked linguini, chicken, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
  • Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy lemon sauce.
  • Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  • Garnish the Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

  • Fettuccine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta can replace linguini.
  • Substitute heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.