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5.0 from 114 votes

Lemon Chicken Pasta

This Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe has spaghetti tossed in a creamy lemon sauce with herbs and seared chicken. Simple add-ons include capers, broccoli asparagus, and frozen vegetables.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 619 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: Dried oregano, basil, mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small
  • lemon pepper seasoning see notes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta/Sauce
  • ½ cup dry white wine see notes
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups half and half
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube
  • ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ pound thin spaghetti see notes
For serving
  • lemons sliced
  • parsley roughly chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep Work: Combine the seasoning ingredients and set aside. I recommend that you measure out the remaining ingredients as well, the recipe will be a breeze from there!
  2. Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Pat completely dry and season each side with lemon pepper seasoning. Combine the flour and garlic powder and dredge the chicken in it. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Sear on each side for about 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside and let it rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Heat a pot of salted pasta water while you begin to prepare the sauce as outlined below.
  4. Add the wine to the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken and set the heat to medium. Let it reduce by half, about 4 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pan while it simmers, this will add flavor to the sauce.
  5. Add the butter and garlic, cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir continuously with a silicone spatula for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously. Add the half and half in the same manner.
  7. Add the chicken bouillon and seasonings and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer while you boil pasta according to package instructions, set a timer to avoid overcooking. Drain once cooked.
  8. Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the lemon juice. Add the pasta and the chicken and stir to combine. Optional: Taste and season with salt if desired.
  9. Serve with sliced lemons and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Pro Tips
  • Storage
  • The Nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 4 servings in this recipe. 
  • Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are my favorite wines for this recipe. It adds next-level flavor to this sauce but chicken broth can be used if you don't cook with wine.
  • Pasta: I use 1/2 lb. thin spaghetti for this recipe but I love a lot of sauce, especially if I anticipate leftovers as it ensures the reheated pasta isn't dry. Feel free to use 3/4 lb. pasta instead. Any kind of pasta can be used for this recipe as well.
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Redmond Real Salt lemon pepper seasoning is my favorite brand for seasoning this chicken, it also contains sea salt and has a lot of great flavor.  (Use promo code ‘COZY‘ for 15% off!) Some brands (like McCormick) can be potent so be aware of that.
  • Grate the cheese from a wedge, it will melt and taste much better than packaged grated cheese.
  • Make sure the heat is off when you add the lemon juice at the end. Add it slowly and stir in continuously to ensure it doesn't cause the cream to curdle.
  • 📘 Find this recipe on page 209 of my 2nd cookbook, Let’s Eat!
  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This does reheat well.
  • Reheating this pasta in a makeshift double boiler on the stove top is the best way to restore it to its original form. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 619kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 86mg (29%) Sodium 707mg (29%) Potassium 462mg (13%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 742IU (15%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 412mg (41%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 619

% Daily Value*

Calories 619kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 57g 19%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 86mg 29%
Sodium 707mg 29%
Potassium 462mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 742IU 15%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 412mg 41%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.